Thanksgiving is still a few weeks away, but the Tri-Area Food Bank needs a little help so they can provide a fitting meal to some area families in need.

“The Tri-Area Food Bank serves 800 families a month, many of whom would be without a Thanksgiving dinner if it were not for your generosity,” said Deisy Bach, Turkey Drive chair for the Tri-Area Food Bank. “We’re asking for frozen turkeys, nonperishable staples and cash donations to help feed hungry folks in our service area.”

Bach said the food bank’s service area is comprised of a diversity of families.

“We have families with young children, single moms, the elderly and the disabled, and they all need our help,” she said.

Mike Boock, manager of the Tri-Area Food Bank, estimated the service handed out about 240 turkeys at Thanksgiving last year.

“We commonly distribute food to around 220 families a week at the Tri-Area Food Bank,” Boock said. “The holidays are a busier time.

“Our weekly numbers have been increasing at the Tri-Area Food Bank over the last couple of years, and we have seen a significant increase in the last year.”

Because they’re part of the Jefferson County Food Bank Association, Boock expects to support another 220 families between the Quilcene and Brinnon food banks with Thanksgiving meals. 

The need for donations has increased with the numbers of families who have come to those food banks for meals, he said.

“Some of our increased demand at the Tri-Area Food Bank is a result of the new location that we started operating out of last September,” Boock said. “We are able to serve more people in a more dignified way. However, it appears that there has been an increased need in the community over the last year.”

Looking beyond the holiday, Boock identified certain types of items the food banks have difficulty finding at an affordable price, or from their normal sources.

“For example, at the Tri-Area Food Bank, we always struggle to find enough fresh produce and dairy, especially milk, cheese and butter, at a price that we can afford,” Boock said.

In the meantime, Boock credited local businesses and other organizations in the Tri-Area, Port Ludlow and surrounding communities with doing what they can to support both the Turkey Drive and the rest of the year’s needs, and he cited an Oct. 25 donation from Port Hadlock Building Supply as an example.

“Their initial donation was for $1,000, with a pledge to match an additional $1,000,” Boock said. “We’ve already matched that pledge. Again, this is indicative of our community support.”

Those who are interested in pitching in can send cash donations to the Tri-Area Food Bank, P.O. Box 760, Port Hadlock, WA 98339, or stop by with a frozen turkey on Tuesdays or Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at 760 Chimacum Road in Port Hadlock.

“Imagine not being able to plan and cook a traditional family dinner while the rest of the neighborhood is,” Bach said. “Imagine not having a turkey to watch or worry about. Imagine no mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce or pumpkin pie. Imagine not having any special food to bring around the table to celebrate this national holiday. Sadly, this is the reality for many Jefferson County families.”