I was a volunteer at the Quilcene Foodbank for 4.5 years. Last Fall the board hired a paid Executive Director for the  first time, four board members had planned retirements, and two board members left unexpectedly. These personnel changes resulted in a rapid dismantling of systems that had functioned and served those in need for many years. The  new members of the Jefferson County Foodbank Association (JCFBA) have proved very secretive, not forthcoming, and disrespectful, making the atmosphere quite tense and awkward. This controversy is absolutely disgraceful, shameful, and very disappointing.

This massive upheaval included the firing of volunteers, inadequate procurement and distribution of food, and issuing a stop work order for the new Quilcene Foodbank building. Since the new members have been in charge, at least 25 volunteers have been “fired” or quit. Two managers/board members and their partners were “fired,” one volunteer/board member was arrested and several volunteers were asked to leave, and the rest have just quit due to stressful inhospitable conditions. Some of the volunteers were not given a legit reason nor offered mediation as to why they were “fired.”

In April the board stopped construction of the new Quilcene Foodbank building, citing “lack of funds and due

diligence” which they wanted to audit. The previous board and other community members spent five years getting this project started, putting in 100s of volunteer hours. For what? Their work is not being recognized. This project was unanimously supported by the previous board and was fully funded.

The new members are giving the JCFBA a bad reputation. They have yet to do to an audit, or restart the building, but they are spending money on other things. I can no longer be affiliated with an association that treats their volunteers and the community with such disrespect. Our community deserves answers.

Mayla Siemion

Quilcene