MOSES LAKE — Thanksgiving is not quite a month away, and local food banks are taking donations of food to go in the baskets they will distribute for the holiday. 

The Moses Lake Food Bank, 9299 Beacon Rd., traditionally provides the whole meal to its clients, from the turkey – although some years it’s been chicken – to the cranberry sauce, green beans and gravy. Operations Manager Peny Archer said the food bank is looking for donations to help fill those boxes. 

“Of course, turkeys would be wonderful,” Archer said. “And all the fixings that go with turkey.” 

Monetary donations also are accepted. In some ways that works better, Archer said, since the food bank can maximize those donations. 

“We can get a bigger bang for the buck,” Archer said.  

The Moses Lake food bank has its own Thanksgiving traditions, not just the baskets, but also setting aside one day for drive-through distribution. Typically, it’s the Monday of Thanksgiving week, and that’s true in 2024, with drive-through Nov. 25. Baskets to walk-in customers will be distributed Nov. 26 and 27. 

Advance registration isn’t required for 2024, Archer said.  

The drive-through is an all-volunteer operation – volunteers directing incoming traffic, volunteers loading food, volunteers directing people back out. Many are part of church groups, service organizations or work colleagues. People who want to volunteer for the drive-through can contact the food bank at 509-765-8101.  

The Ephrata Food Bank doesn’t have a specific Thanksgiving distribution, said Director Phyllis Fuglie. Typically, it’s open Monday and Thursday each week, but it will only be open on Monday of Thanksgiving week.  

Quincy Food Bank Director Teri Laney said there are some additions to the food boxes on Thanksgiving week. Depending on the family, the Thanksgiving week boxes have stuffing or prepared potatoes or hominy and canned pineapple, she said. The Thanksgiving box also usually includes a little bit more flour, sugar or rice.  

Thanksgiving baskets will be distributed Nov. 26, Laney said. The Quincy Food Bank, 210 First Ave. SE, usually is open on Friday and will be open the day after Thanksgiving, she said. 

Donations of food and supplies are needed year-round; Laney said she gives first-time customers a hygiene packet, and some of the supplies for those are running low, shampoo being an example.  

Archer said the Moses Lake food bank makes some changes to distribution as the weather changes, giving out what she called “warm food,” things like stew, chili and soup. 

“Soup warms your soul up – and everything else, because it’s getting pretty cold,” Archer said.