Tuesday, July 31, 2012

How NK Fishline's Front Market Helps the Community

Our front market is stocked with imperfect but edible items from our community partners and grocery stores.  The self-serve food market has fresh fruits and vegetables, bread and dairy.

If you are in need of NK Fishline's services, the front market is a good place to start.  For many people, the daily market is crucial in stabilizing their family's monthly budget and for others, it may be the only source for fresh food.  The welcoming faces of volunteers and staff is cheerful and warm and instantly lifts the spirit of those who visit.

Clients are welcome to use the market daily. It is open to all in our service area.  Visit NK Fishline at 18916 NE Third Ave in Poulsbo or call today (360)598-5190 to learn more about our services.  

Monday, July 30, 2012

Community Events, Week of July 30

Poulsbo Marina
On Monday, July 30, the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Poulsbo will host a community dinner from 5 to 6:30pm.  This is a once a month event and all are welcome. 


On Wednesday, August 1,  Suquamish Church of Christ will host a community dinner between 5-7pm.  This is a weekly event. All are welcome.  

On Thursday, August 2, First Lutheran Church in Poulsbo will host a community dinner between 5-6pm.  This is a weekly event.  All are welcome.  

On Friday, August 3, Gateway Fellowship Church in Poulsbo will host a community dinner between 6 -8pm.  This is a once a month event.  All are welcome.  

On Saturday, August 4, Gateway Fellowship Church in Poulsbo will also host a community lunch, from 11:30 to 1pm.  This is a weekly event and all are welcome.  


Don't forget -- on Saturday, the Fishline van will be at Albertson's in Poulsbo to collect food and clothing donations from 11am to 1pm.  This is a weekly event until October. 


We are also doing our school supply drive until August 17.  Here are the drop off locations!


Donations can be dropped off at these local businesses:

— Second Seasons Thrift Shop 18825 Anderson Parkway.

— Starbucks, 19673 7th Ave. NE, Suite D.

— Starbucks, 21505 Market Place, NW, No. 101.

— Poulsbo Library, 700 NE Lincoln Road.

— Edward Jones, 19740 7th Ave. NE.

— Edward Jones, 18887 Highway 305 NE.

— Bank of America, 19255 Jensen Way NE.

— Poulsbo City Hall, 200 NE Moe St.

— Curves of Poulsbo, 19351 8th Ave. NE, Suite 101.


— Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse, 9989 Silverdale Way, Suite 109, Silverdale. (Receive 10% off your bill with a donation of 3+ school supply items, excluding alcohol and gratuity, not valid with any other discounts.)

Are you hosting an event that will benefit the needy members of our community?  Contact NK Fishline to add your event to our calendar!

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Memorial for Garvin Tootle Planned for August 25th

Though the sad passing of our amazing Operations Manager Garvin Tootle happened in late June, we have arranged a memorial and Fishline fundraiser on Garvin's 70th birthday, August 25th.

We have reserved the Poulsbo Waterfront Park and have scheduled his memorial from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.  This event will be open to the public, but certainly all his Fishline, Lions and client friends as well as family will gather to pay tribute to his life of service and care for his community.

Please consider joining the team who will prepare the service and any hospitality provisions we decide upon.  Garvin's family is so grateful that we will coordinate this, and the event will also serve as a chance to benefit Fishline. Garvin would be pleased.  Please let Gavin or Mary know if you can help out.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Message from the Director: The Changing Face of Need

When Mildred called Fishline recently, it took all of her courage. In her 87 years in Poulsbo, she had hadn't ever asked for help. Never rich but always able to make it, Mildred and her husband worked hard while raising their three children. In retirement, they had enough to cover the bills and put a littleaside. But Mildred's husband passed away a couple of years ago,making it harder for her to pay for the house, the rising bills, prescriptions and food. Little by little, she dipped into her savings to pay the bills. She didn't tell her children because, as she put it, "They already have so much on their minds, I didn't want to worry them." By the time she came to Fishline, her savings were gone and her phone, a lifeline for a homebound senior, was about to be disconnected. After learning about the ways we could help, she slept well that night, the first night in weeks.

Jim is another first-time recipient of food bank services. He had left his job and his home to come care for his terminally-ill mother. Not able to find work after a long job search, he was at the end of his resources. We were able to help him with veterinary care, clothes, gasoline, job referrals, a free cell phone and even told him about a program where he can volunteer in exchange for free dental services. He hoped that this first visitto Fishline would be his last and when he returned, it would be to give back.

Mildred and Jim are but two examples of the changing face of need in North Kitsap. No longer are food bank clients just those living on the margins of society, experiencing poverty because of poor choices, lack of work ethic or addiction issues. Today's Fishline clients might be recently unemployed, often from high-paying and skilled jobs, trying hard to find work in a fiercely competitive climate. Others are working, sometimes 2 or 3 jobs, but finding it still isn't enough. Examples abound of normal, everyday people facing extraordinary circumstances that test their resilience and their mettle. When they finally convince themselves to come to Fishline, imagine their relief when they are greeted like old friends, without a hint of pity or judgment.

Around 30% of new visitors to Fishline are coming to a food bank for the first time in their lives. Our initial meetings are often emotional , as anxious clients experience the wonderful gift of a listening, caring ear. Our clients are like you and me, trying to handle life's turbulence with grace and independence, reluctant to ask for help yet knowing that, this time, they just can't handle it alone.

Because of you, Fishline is able to help good people like Mildred and Jim. Through your contributions of concern, donations and time, you are building a stronger community, one in which all have the hope for a better day.



Sincerely,

Mary Nader, Executive Director

North Kitsap Fishline

director@fishline.org

Thursday, July 26, 2012

New and Improved Front Market System, Thanks to Everyone!


Just wanted to share this update on the new and improved front market system.  Staff, volunteers and clients agree this new way of food bank shopping is easier for our clients, less stressful and a better way of making sure our food stretch as far as it can.  Thanks to the innovative spirits and creativity of our volunteers, the market looks like a wonderful neighborhood grocery, complete with Central Market buggies and daily specials.  And, most inspiring to see, our clients shop with dignity, able to choose for items that they want while self-monitoring based on a budget.

It was a miraculous transformation to watch - each week, we got a little closer to the final product.  First, a doorway was built. Then a checkout station was constructed, a miracle of its own when you think about how little room we had to work with.  Then a new flow started to happen, immediately a relief to shoppers. Finally, a work party took place that added the final touches, including a refrigerator layout that included specials written on the doors, a "specials" neon board and price tags for all our items.  A generous sprinkling of "free" selections keeps food items moving through quickly and helps budgets stretch further.

When opening day came, a crowd of helpful volunteers gathered, making sure everything was neat, clean and well-marked then held their breath when the door opened at 10 am.  After all, even the best laid plans don't account for every possibility, and we just didn't know how it would all come together.  What came afterward will be remembered for a long time - an easy, happy day that passed without a hitch.  The relief amongst volunteers and clients alike was noticeable, a sign that this system might just work!

A change of this magnitude was only possible because of the amazing efforts of many, many
contributors.   There is no way we can thank everyone, because so many were involved, but we'll give it
a shot anyway:

The Project Team Extraordinaire who, for months, met every week and sometimes in between to carve out this new process, study its implications and then implement it.  These folks gave this project their best and it shows in the beautiful and successful results:

 Staff: Gavin Watt, Lucy Baker and Mike Willmes
 Volunteers: Anne Alexander, Karen Calhoun, Sandy Fullerton, Carol Geissler, Katherine
Porter, Sharon Schmid, Helen Supancheck and Kee Webb

Facilities, including construction and computers:
 John Lewis built and installed our new shelving and the new checkout station.
 The Poulsbo Rotary donated the funds needed to buy our new 3-door cooler, set to be delivered
on 7/23.
 Greg Lasater, son of Board President Walt, donated his time in creating the doorway that leads
to the checkout station.
 Central Market and Albertsons donated the buggies our clients love to use.
 David Graves worked nights and weekends to get our computers set up and ready to be used as
checkout systems.
 Ken Craig, the programmer who developed our Client Card System, specially modified the
program to accommodate our Fish Bucks.
 Eric Watland of Advanced Electrical Design donated installation of electrical service for our new
refrigerator configurations.

Most especially, we want to thank each and every one of you who graciously adapted to the changes.  It takes longer and requires more effort to implement a new way, and you all just rolled up your sleeves and went to work with a great attitude.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Community Events, Week of July 23

Courtesy of the Knox Gardener
On Wednesday, July 25,  Suquamish Church of Christ will host a community dinner between 5-7pm.  This is a weekly event. All are welcome.  

On Thursday, July 26, First Lutheran Church in Poulsbo will host a community dinner between 5-6pm.  This is a weekly event.  All are welcome.  

On Thursday, July 26, join us for a seminar on learning how to deal with identity theft at Kitsap Community Resources, 1201 Park Ave., Bremerton:  Learn how to deal with identity theft - 5:30 to 7 pm. 


Also on Thursday, July 26, is the Kingston Community Church Dinner at the Kingston VFW.  This dinner will be from 5 to 6:30 and is a once a month event.  All are welcome. 
On Saturday, July 28, from 11:30 to 1pm Gateway Fellowship Church in Poulsbo will host a community lunch.  All are welcome!



Don't forget -- on Saturday, the Fishline van will be at Albertson's in Poulsbo to collect food and clothing donations from 11am to 1pm.  This is a weekly event until October. 
Are you hosting an event that will benefit the needy members of our community?  Contact NK Fishline to add your event to our calendar!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Give a Student a Good Start Through Fishline's School Supply Program

Each year, North Kitsap Fishline’s School Supply Program provides children in need with basic school supplies for the upcoming school year.

The cost of sending students back to school adds to family budgets that are already stretched thin and some are unable to purchase items needed for their children. We greatly appreciate your efforts in helping us meet our goals this year to provide school supplies for those children.

Fishline’s School Supply Program is accepting donations for the 2012 school year beginning now through Aug. 17. Donations can be dropped off at these local businesses:

— Second Seasons Thrift Shop 18825 Anderson Parkway.

— Starbucks, 19673 7th Ave. NE, Suite D.

— Starbucks, 21505 Market Place, NW, No. 101.

— Poulsbo Library, 700 NE Lincoln Road.

— Edward Jones, 19740 7th Ave. NE.

— Edward Jones, 18887 Highway 305 NE.

— Bank of America, 19255 Jensen Way NE.

— Poulsbo City Hall, 200 NE Moe St.

— Curves of Poulsbo, 19351 8th Ave. NE, Suite 101.

School supply drives or any large quantity donations should arrange a drop-off day and time with Kathy Smith, volunteer school supply coordinator. Call (360) 598-6282 to make arrangements.

Supplies that are needed: backpacks, college-rule and wide-rule loose-leaf and spiral paper, pencil pouches, supply boxes, pens, pencils, glue sticks, pink erasers, washable color markers, colored pencils, child scissors, college-rule and wide rule spiral notebook paper, pocket folders, and metal edged rulers.

Original post by Kathy Smith, Poulsbo, North Kitsap Herald

Both Office Depot & Office Max are having great school supply sales right now. Check out these links at Queen Bee Coupons and Thrifty & Thriving.

 

Friday, July 20, 2012

11 Facts About Hunger in the United States

Photo:  DoSomething.org, Feed-America

  1. In 2010, 17.2 million households, (1 in 7) were food insecure, the highest number ever recorded in the U.S.
  2. More than 16 million (almost 1 in 5) American children are at risk of hunger.
  3. Households with children experience food insecurity at almost double the rate of households without children.
  4. Nearly 1 in 5 children in the U.S. is served by Feeding America, the nation’s largest food bank.
  5. Five states or districts with the highest rate of food insecure children are Arizona, Arkansas, Oregon, Texas and Washington, D.C.
  6. America’s Second Harvest annually provides food to over 23 million people. That is more than the population of the state of Texas.
  7. The USDA recently found that about 96 billion pounds of food available for human consumption in the United States were thrown away by retailers, restaurants, farmers and households over the course of one year.
  8. Hungry adults miss more work and consume more health care than those who don’t go hungry.
  9. Kids who experience hunger are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, behavior problems, and other illnesses.
  10. The total cost of hunger to American society is said to be about $90 billion a year.
  11. In contrast, it would only cost about $10 billion to $12 billion a year to virtually end hunger in our nation.
Source:  DoSomething.org

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Local Teens Lend a Helping Hand


Featured here:  Ricky Bonachea who drives from Bremerton to help us, and Rachelle Charlie and Mikaila Lestenkof.

The lazy, hazy days of summer usually mean long stretches of fun and recreation for students who have worked and studied hard all the school year.  But for some of our local teens, the summer means it's also a time to give back to their community.  For many summers, Fishline has been able to keep local high school and college students busy helping in the food bank and on special projects, but we've had more help from our youth this summer than ever before.

After an announcement was made at North Kitsap High School Honors Program just before the end of the school year, more than 12 students immediately jumped in to help us.  First on the list of projects was sorting the food received during the recent postal drive, nearly 17,000 pounds of cans, jars and packages that needed to be date checked and  organized.  Thanks to the help of these young people, we were done in 1 week, a process that normally takes 2-3 weeks.  Then it was onto helping organize the new front market system, all the while pitching in every day by sorting groceries and stocking food shelves as they emptied during our busy days.  Some of our students will even be serving as checkout volunteers next week and beyond, as we implement our new "Fish Bucks" market design.

Featured:  Marlon Basco & Bryce Whitford pack up boxes of bread. (Kitsap Sun)


All around Fishline, you can hear volunteers say to each other, "The teen help we've had this summer has been great!" and that is certainly true.  We're very lucky to have their help, knowing that our future is in good hands if it's in the hands of these great leaders-in-the-making. 

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Community Events, Week of July 16

Poulsbo City Hall
On Wednesday, July 18,  Suquamish Church of Christ will host a community dinner between 5-7pm.  This is a weekly event. All are welcome! 

On Thursday, July 19,  First Lutheran Church in Poulsbo will host their weekly community dinner between 5-6pm.  This is also a weekly event where all are welcome!

On Saturday, July 21, from 11:30 to 1pm Gateway Fellowship Church in Poulsbo will host a community lunch.  All are welcome!


Are you hosting an event that will benefit the needy members of our community?  Contact NK Fishline to add your event to our calendar!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Front Market at Fishline Starts New Fish Bucks System Today: Success!

Today's front market "fish bucks" opening went very well.  Our clients enjoy the new shopping model, and seem to feel less anxious.  The food lasted longer throughout the day for those who couldn't make it earlier.  Our first full day on the new system was a success!   


If you are a Fishline client and were not able to make one of the orientation sessions last week, there will be volunteers and staff ready to answer your questions, familiarize you with the new system, and even help you shop your first or second time.  Prices will be clearly marked on all items and shopping tools will be available to help clients keep track of their "fish bucks" balances while shopping. 

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Fresh Artwork at Fishline

Next time you’re in town, drive down 3rd Ave. in Poulsbo and take a look at Fishline’s front window.  Thanks to the artistic talent of our new Northwest College of Art Intern Ray Guittierez, a regular window has been turned into a hand-painted work of art.  Utilizing his specialty of hand-lettering, combined with his creative depiction of the food our clients enjoy, a colorful collage greets you when you drive up to Fishline.  


Our plans are to change the window every couple of months to reflect the seasons, which will no doubt be the delight of all who visit.  Ray will also be helping us with signs, custom-painted hours information on both the food bank and Second Season and a myriad of other projects that require an artist’s touch. 

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Community Events, Week of July 9

On Wednesday, July 11,  Suquamish Church of Christ will host a community dinner between 5-7pm.  This is a weekly event. All are welcome.  


On Thursday, July 12, First Lutheran Church in Poulsbo will host a community dinner between 5-6pm.  This is a weekly event.  All are welcome.  


We will also host our orientation to the new "Fish Bucks" system Thursday and Friday, July 12 & 13.  One session will be held at 11am, and the next 2pm at the food bank. Click here to read more about the orientation. 


Also on Thursday, join us for a seminar on Collection and Debt Repayment Options at Kitsap Community Resources, 1201 Park Ave., Bremerton:  Don't let debt overwhelm you - there are options!  5:30 - 7 pm

On Saturday, July 14, from 11:30 to 1pm Gateway Fellowship Church in Poulsbo will host a community lunch.  All are welcome!

Are you hosting an event that will benefit the needy members of our community?  Contact NK Fishline to add your event to our calendar!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Fish Bucks Orientation for Clients and Volunteers

Our Front Market changes are moving along nicely.  Many volunteers have been working tirelessly to create a system called "Fish Bucks."  The new system will help clients shop freely but within limits so that our food will last for all who need it.  The changes will be implemented on Monday, July 16.

We will hold client orientation sessions at the food bank as follows:

July 11 11:00 am, 2:00 pm
July 12 11:00 am, 2:00 pm
July 13 11:00 am, 2:00 pm

The orientation sessions are voluntary and are designed to help clients familiarize themselves with the new system, as well as to ask any questions they might have regarding the changes.  We hope to see you there!

Also, we have several positions available for volunteers who would like to serve as "check out" people.  If you would like to train for one of these position, please contact Gavin immediately. The volunteer times will be  9:30 to 12:30 and 12:30 to 3:30 daily and 3:00 to 7:00 on Wednesdays.  Training will take place tomorrow, the 11th at 9:00am and Thursday the 12th at 3:00pm.

Monday, July 9, 2012

NK Fishline Launches New Website



We are so excited to announce the launch of our new website. While our mission remains the same, we've expanded our website to encompass the changing face of our community in need. 


The website features an online client application as well as an online request form for screening appointments. Clients will still be able to come in to the food bank to fill out these applications if they like. We have also added an online volunteer application form to facilitate the process of attracting talented volunteers to participate, as well as suggestions on all the different ways you can share your talents with the NK Fishline community. With our new website, we hope to highlight our relationships with our community partners.  The work we do would not be possible without the help of local businesses and organizations.  Additionally, we have added a "Donate Now" button, so that you can easily contribute any amount, great or small, from the convenience of your home. 


Take a look at our new site, and thanks again for your continued support of NK Fishline.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Second Season Super Saturday Sale

Super Saturday Sale at Second Season
50% off all items in the store!! 


Located on the waterfront in downtown Poulsbo -- 18825 Anderson Parkway, directly across from Liberty Bay, Second Season is not your ordinary resale shop.  Stocked with better-quality clothing, accessories and housewares, shopping becomes an adventure when you never know what you will find.  The shop is open on Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and this Sunday, July 8th from 11am to 3pm.  (Special Sunday hours!!)

We receive new items every day, so you'll want to shop often.  All profit from the store goes directly to Fishline, in essence a donation to needy families in our community.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Albertson's Donation Station

 

When you donate clothing, housewares and even small furniture to Second Season, the money we receive from their sales goes directly into helping Fishline clients. Hundreds of neighbors are helped every year thanks to work of Second Season and your donations. To make it easier than ever to drop off your donations throughout the summer, our van will be in front of Albertson’s in Poulsbo every Saturday from 11 to 1, through October. Bring your thrift or food donations and receive a 20% coupon off of a single regularly-priced item at Second Season.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Community Events, Week of July 2

Fireworks at Liberty Bay
On Wednesday, July 4,  Suquamish Church of Christ will host a community dinner between 5-7pm.  This is a weekly event. All are welcome!


On Thursday, July 5,  First Lutheran Church in Poulsbo will host their weekly community dinner between 5-6pm.  This is also a weekly event where all are welcome!

On Friday, July 6, Gateway Fellowship Church in Poulsbo will host a community dinner from 6pm to 8pm.  This is a once a month event, and all are welcome! 

On Saturday, July 7, from 11:30 to 1pm Gateway Fellowship Church in Poulsbo will host a community lunch.  All are welcome!


Are you hosting an event that will benefit the needy members of our community?  Contact NK Fishline to add your event to our calendar!

Monday, July 2, 2012

Keeping Kids Fed Through the Summer

Food for Thought is a weekend backpack program for children who may not otherwise receive enough food when not in school.  Each pack contains enough food for six meals plus snacks and is delivered to the child at their school on Friday afternoons during the school year.  Summer packs will be available and can be picked up by registered families at Fishline.

Read this article from the North Kitsap Herald about how area food banks, including NK Fishline help kids stay fed through the summer:


Some children eating breakfast at school Monday morning were enjoying their first real meal since lunch on Friday.

That’s how Gene Medina remembers it, when he was superintendent of North Kitsap schools. And the problem of children not getting proper nutrition is a particular worry for him when summer comes: How do children who depend on free and reduced lunches during the school year get the food they need during the summer?

A program known now as Food for Kids is raising money to help pay for summer school lunches at Wolfle Elementary School and provide food packets for students when summer school ends — a seven-week period between summer school’s end and the beginning of the school year.

Some 60 percent of students at Wolfle now qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, according to Medina.
That’s up from 53.4 percent in May 2011, according to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction report card. During the 2005-06 school year, 48.2 percent qualified for free or reduced-price meals, according to the report card.

Districtwide, 33.5 percent of students, or 2,237, in the qualified for free or reduced-price meals in 2011.
“We’re raising $5,950 that will basically help us deliver two packets a week for seven weeks, and cover the gap in funding for summer school lunches,” he said. Medina said 110 children are expected for summer school.
Last year, Food for Kids provided food packets for seven weeks for 50-60 children. “This year, we’re projecting 75,” Medina said.

There are a lot of partners in Food for Kids. Summer school is funded by a grant and is staffed by Port Gamble S’Klallam’s Early Childhood Education Department. The grant doesn’t cover the entire cost of lunches, so Food for Kids fills the funding gap and ShareNet provides weekend lunch packets during summer school.

Food for Kids isn’t the only program providing meals. North Kitsap Fishline runs Food for Thought, which began October 2010. It served about 60 students across the district in its first year.

When summer school is out, the Kingston Food Bank provides food packets to the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, which distributes them to children on the reservation. The Kingston Rescue Mission helps deliver food to children that don’t live on the reservation.

And, of course, donors in the community are major partners. As of Wednesday, the program had raised $1,050; it must raise $4,900 more. Donations can be sent to Kingston-North Kitsap Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 832, Kingston, WA. 98346. Indicate on your check that it’s for Food for Kids.

“If we receive more funds, the money remains in an account for next year as seed money so we never fall behind,” Medina said. “We need to continue to support these children through the summer. You know the research about education and nutrition.”

A child needs a diet of good fats, protein, carbohydrates and micronutrients for proper development. Those nutrients are found in fish, fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, dark leafy greens, and whole grains.  Hydration – drinking plenty of water — is also essential.

“Within your student’s brain, a biochemical process of learning is occurring, that parallels the classroom experience,” Dr. Philippa Norman wrote in “Healthy Brain for Life.”

“Making connections, finding meaning and solving problems are learning tasks that require lightning-fast electrical impulses between areas of the brain.  Formation of memory requires physical growth and reshaping of networks of brain cells.  So that wonderful experience — when the lights go on and your student says, ‘I get it!’ — is a neurochemical process as well as an academic one.

By nourishing the brain with healthy food and water, you will optimize the internal environment, enabling students to truly engage in the classroom environment and achieve their potential.”