For the past 37 years The Jefferson County Food Bank Association (JCFBA) has provided aid to an increasing number of residents experiencing food insecurity. We have grown to the point where we help over 10% of people living in Jefferson County. We do this via our network of four food banks.  JCFBA receives no funding from Jefferson County or the city of Port Townsend. For operating funds, we rely almost entirely on donations from concerned citizens like you.

Recognizing the need for change, last November the previous Board unanimously voted to hire Patricia Hennessy as JCFBA’s first executive director. She has brought a new professionalism to JCFBA and a clear vision for our future. We are truly blessed to have her and are negotiating a contract that we hope will keep her with us for many years to come.  Her leadership will provide JCFBA with the oversight and continuity that is essential for our success.

Between November 2023 and February 2024, all four members of the Executive Committee transitioned off the Board, taking their institutional knowledge with them. In response, Hennessy and the new Board have worked diligently to review and address prior financial decisions. To ensure accountability and safeguard our ability to serve the community, we have established policies and procedures to prevent harmful practices, including a new Code of Conduct and a cash donation policy. Additionally, an independent audit is currently in progress, and its findings will be shared with the public.

In response to the ongoing challenges to our organization and its reputation, we have prepared a comprehensive reply to address claims being made against us.

Claim:  The JCFBA executive director terminated over 25 volunteers.

Response: The JCFBA has terminated only three volunteers. The reasons include allegations of misconduct, discrimination, inappropriate behavior and violations of personal rights.  Evidence supporting these terminations was provided via Sheriff bodycam recordings, a police report and eyewitness statements.

Claim:  The JCFBA has violated health and safety regulations.

Response: Numerous complaints have been filed by former volunteers with the Federal Department of Agriculture, The Emergency Food Assistance Program and the County Department of Public Health.  The malicious intent behind these frivolous complaints was to shut us down and sully the organization’s standing in the Community. Each claim was easily addressed without issue and we remained open for our Community.

Claim: The Quilcene Food Bank building project was halted inappropriately.

Response: The project was launched without a capital campaign or a separate building fund causing the construction to be funded almost entirely by our cash reserves. This money was intended for food, not a new building.  There was an effort made to raise funds specifically for the new Quilcene Food Bank and approximately $30,000 came from this valiant effort.  It should be noted that no land was donated for the project.

* The original approved budget was $197,000.  At the time of project suspension, JCFBA had spent approximately $650,000 on a building that is far from complete. The estimate for completion exceeds $1 million, making the total building cost over $1,650,000.

* No construction change orders were submitted for approval; they were just done because the project had almost no financial controls in place.

* The building and site plans approved by the County provide for only 6 parking spaces.  On average over 120 clients visit the Quilcene Food Bank over the course of three hours. This severe shortage of parking is critical and must be addressed.

Claim:  JCFBA requested that the Jefferson County Sheriff arrest a former JCFBA Board member on July 10, 2024 at the Quilcene Food Bank during operating hours.

Response: JCFBA did not seek or request that the Sheriff arrest any volunteer. There is bodycam footage showing this volunteer requesting to be arrested. 

Our hope is that by sharing what we believe are facts, the community will understand that any appearance of organizational chaos within JCFBA is false. These rumors are being spread by individuals who somehow benefited from the former operation and want things to go back to the way they were — no oversight, no accountability, no executive director.

We have attempted to work through the complaints and issues with dignity for all involved, which meant staying largely silent. However, the repetition of false accusations must be met with truth. Right now, more than ever, we need community support. With the strong leadership, resourcefulness and determination of our executive director, we are steadily moving through this crisis. Please do not let these cynical attempts to harm us succeed.

This holiday season we humbly ask that you become a neighbor helping a fellow neighbor out with food. Every dollar makes a difference!

Our food banks are here for every person who comes through our doors, without judgment, with warmth and compassion. We invite you to visit one of our food banks and see how we love what we do. 

Craig Uchida, president of the JCFBA, on behalf of its Executive Board.