In response to the Jefferson County Food Bank Association posting on Facebook regarding the status of the building, I’d like to offer another reality.

— The building is over 27% complete, per DCD, not 15%, and was estimated to be finished and funded by December 2024 with full support of the JCFB board and Jefferson County community. Due to the halting of the project in April, by the new board, and the change of design, also by the new board, the cost has risen and the project is severely delayed and going into the winter without a roof and siding, which the Food Bank rejected a donation for.

— The edible landscape design had been discussed and approved and volunteers identified to install.

— All work done on the building, including plumbing, was approved, permitted, inspected and signed off meeting all code requirements, which can be verified online. It is only due to changes in the plan that electrical and plumbing need alteration.

— A commercial kitchen was discussed in the planning stages, by the previous board, but due to septic, space, expense and other possibilities, Community Center and Masonic Hall, it was unanimously rejected. Tri Area was determined to be a more suitable area for a Jefferson County Food Bank Hub, “Flagship location” due to its central location and size of property.

Please, let’s be accurate, accountable and respectful.

Kit Kittredge

Quilcene