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Washington State University

COVID-19 Response

Foothills Food Access

COVID-19 Preparedness & Response in East Whatcom County

 

Note: Evolving guidance provided by Whatcom Unified Command, which includes updates and resources, will take precedence over the information provided here.

These are uncertain times, and we are each doing our part to help ensure the health, safety, and food security in the Foothills. Here is information about local food resources: how you can get help when you need it, and how to offer help if you are able.

Where Can I Get Food?

  • If you are completely out of food, call 911, and ask them to direct you to the local fire department for an Emergency Food Box.
  • Mount Baker School District is providing free food for ALL children 0-18 years of age (whether or not they are enrolled in school or eligible for free lunch) through the “Reverse the Baker Bus” Meal Delivery Program. Deliveries to school bus stops will be on Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – Noon Check the Baker Bus Delivery Schedule for approximate delivery times. Three days worth of breakfasts and lunches will be provided with each delivery. The youth need to be there to get the food. Call MBSD Child Nutrition (360) 383-2024, or Transportation (360) 383-2060 for more details.
  • The MBSD Spring Pantry Program food boxes and Wildbird Charity Weekend Backpack Program will be distributed by school bus as well to all kids signed up for those services.
  • Foothills Food Bank is distributing food outside at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center (EWRRC), (8255 Kendall Road, in Maple Falls) on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 – 11:30am You can also get food at the same location during the Mobile Food Pantry on 1st Saturdays (11:30-12:30pm) and 3rd Fridays (10-11am).
  • The EWRRC may have food available for grab and go in small amounts. Call (360) 599-3944 to set up a time for pick up. If there is no answer, please leave a message with your phone number stated twice and someone will return your call as soon as possible.
  • Lord’s Table Food Bank is distributing food on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, 10 a.m. – Noon, at 4037 Valley Hwy 9, in Deming.
  • Nooksack Food Bank Distribution (for Nooksack Indian Tribal Members only) is held on the first Friday of the month, Noon – 3:00 p.m., or while supplies last, at 5061 Deming Rd., Deming; (360) 592-5176. If the first Friday is the first day of the month, open second Friday.

 

How You Can Help

  • More money and more volunteers will be needed throughout the whole system. Within a week or so, we will have an on-line schedule where you can sign up to volunteer at various places (e.g. pack boxes for a food bank or help deliver food to those who are homebound).

Three things you can do TODAY:

    • If you are ready to volunteer right now, please email: sydneyarndorfer@gmail.com
    • Plant a Row for Hunger in your garden to share with your neighbors and food banks.
    • Go to the Foothills Food Bank website and make a donation – anything helps.

 

Things To Consider When Volunteering

Food Banks rely on all of us to help volunteer, especially in times of crisis. Because the COVID-19 virus is particularly dangerous for older adults, we are limiting volunteering to ages 18-60 at this time at Foothills Food Bank, but other opportunities are available for older and younger people doing other things. If you sign up and can no longer volunteer, please let our team know so they can fill the empty slot. You can check for any possible changes in your email or this page before coming in for your volunteer session. With your support we can help make sure no one goes hungry during this uncertain time.

If you are feeling sick, or displaying any symptoms of illness, please stay home. It is true that we rely on volunteer power to get the job done, but we need you to be healthy and operating at 100% to make that happen! Please do not put yourself or anyone else at risk by coming to volunteer when sick. If you are displaying signs of illness while on site at one of the Food Banks, you will be asked to return home.

All volunteers must wash their hands upon beginning any volunteer shift, at any location, before starting a project. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wash your hands when you leave, and again when you return home. We also recommend changing your clothes and putting your clothes in the washer as soon as you get home.

Back to the WSU Whatcom County Extension – Snap-Ed website