Seattle Food Banks Hit the Road for the 2010 SFC Van Tour

Running a food bank can be a chaotic job. Between keeping food on the shelves, managing volunteers, and serving the ever-growing numbers of hungry community members, food bank staff rarely have a free moment to pause and check out the work being done by their neighbors, as well as consider the possibilities for change and innovation for their own programs. That is why once a year, in August, the Seattle Food Committee gathers for the SFC Van Tour to visit a handful of local food banks. We learn about their successes and challenges, see how they deliver services, and get to know eachother a bit better.

This year was as full and inspiring as ever. With 50 attendees, it would more accurately be called a caravan than a tour. We visited 5 food banks, all of which were operating out of new facilities (either new locations or remodeled spaces). No two food banks were alike, and they all offered unique ideas and inspiration for participants to take back to their own programs.

The 2010 SFC Van Tour sites included:

Ballard Food Bank

VOA Greenwood Food Bank

North Helpline Food Bank

Jewish Family Service Food Bank

Spiritual Miracles Food Bank

Thanks to these 5 amazing programs for hosting and to all who joined us that day. We can't wait until next year!

The lovely photos in this post were provided by Julie Washburn, Executive Director of the Washington Food Coalition. To view her full album from the day click here