Friday Harbor Food Bank Running at Capacity – Need Continues to Grow

Thanks to the legendary generosity of San Juan Islanders, the Friday Harbor Food Bank is still in a position to help all those who approach the “store.” But the need is significant, and the need is growing.

We were surprised to learn that demand for food bank services increases in the summer, due to seasonal workers coming here.

Why is demand increasing? Island economics are complicated.

• Oppressive inflation in all things, including food and gasoline, even car insurance
• The high cost of affordable housing
• Many hourly wages still in the $17 to $19 range, despite skyrocketing prices
• And since August 2023, an underperforming tourism sector, due in part to widespread perceptions of WSF unreliability
• The cost of daycare, where it even exists

These and other factors are making life for many islanders with low- and fixed-incomes harder and harder.

In this interview of Food Bank Director Rachelle Radonski, Journal of the San Juans editor Heather Spaulding and CNL2’s Jeff Noedel discuss the volume of the need and the robust donor and volunteer support for the Food Bank.

But what really stands out is Rachelle’s boundless energy and enthusiasm and her sense of mission, which is about much more than food. Her work for the Food Bank seems to be spiritual, or perhaps something rooted in love.

This CNL2 interview in approximately 22-1/2 minutes in duration.