About the
Food Bank
Our vision
& mission.
A hunger free community.
Enhancing the lives of our neighbors by nourishing their bodies, hearts and souls to build a brighter future.
The Marysville Community Food Bank had its beginnings in the rectory of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in 1974 when a handful of volunteers got together to distribute food out the back door to the hungry and homeless. Food was stored in a former laundry area, then a bedroom. Between 30 and 40 families a week were served.
Over the years, the Food Bank operations have grown. In 1987, it was formally organized as a non-profit organization supported by 12 churches in the community, with oversight provided by a Board of Directors. Today, the food bank is a “partnership” supported by 18 community churches, service clubs, schools, businesses, volunteers, and individuals. After a few location changes over the years, the Food Bank is now located on property owned by the Archdiocese of Seattle, which generously leases the property for $1 a year.
How we operate.
The Marysville Community Food Bank receives over 90,000 pounds of usable product every month from individuals, food drives, and local grocery stores.
This translates into $164,000 of value that we distribute to about 2,800 people each month. We receive additional monetary support from local churches, organizations, and individuals. We also receive food from Northwest Harvest, Food Lifeline, and government food programs.
The financial support of the community allows us to provide food for families in need, pick up food donations, pay overhead costs, and employ three part-time staff. We stretch every donation as far as possible by purchasing food in bulk from the most affordable source. All overhead expenses are kept at a minimum. The local support is crucial as we seek to help hungry in our community.
Our partners.
Our lead agency is the Volunteers of America in Everett. As a member of the Snohomish County Food Bank Coalition, the Marysville Community Food Bank receives a portion of food from the federal TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) and the state EFAP (Emergency Food Assistance Program). The Food Bank receives food donations from Food Lifeline and Northwest Harvest as well.
Local community groups such as Rotary, Soroptimist, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, and many others are very supportive of the Food Bank with donations, food drives, and volunteers. Local schools, the City of Marysville, Marysville Fire Department, Tulalip Tribes and numerous churches help tremendously with donations, food drives, and volunteers. It is the generous support from these groups and local businesses that allows us to serve.
