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LIFRC Community Updates
May 18, 2021
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From the Executive Director
Summer is in the air! Longer days and warmer nights are bringing Lopezians out of our homes and into the community. Last week was especially meaningful, as our island welcomed the Lummi Nation House of Tears Carvers to Odlin Park for a stopover on the Red Road to D.C.—a cross-country journey to transport a magnificent 24-foot totem pole to the U.S. capital. The totem tour will connect Native communities in locations where sacred lands, waters, and wildlife are imperiled by dams, climate change, and extractive industries. Along the way, the travelers are building support for the sovereign right of tribal nations to shape local and federal solutions, and for the protection of the natural world for generations to come.
Here on Lopez, we continue to support the well-being of our community. While providing food and other basic needs support, LIFRC is also advocating for affordable housing, a robust economic climate with higher wages and benefits, transportation options, ways for seniors to age in place, social-emotional supports, and learning opportunities. We continue to listen to our community, work to support resiliency, and achieve greater equity and inclusiveness so that everyone thrives here.
This e-blast provides an update on Lopez Food Share, a program that reinforces the power of connections and relationships, and the positive impact they have on our health and well-being. It takes an incredible team of donors, volunteers, staff, and food recipients to make this program so special and so uniquely Lopez. We are grateful to everyone who makes it possible.
–Barbara Schultheiss
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The Lopez Food Share drive-through on Dill Road is open every Tuesday
from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Islanders can pre-order online or drop in.
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Food insecurity has been a major crisis across our nation during the pandemic. Here on Lopez, LIFRC’s focus has been on nourishing our community while supporting island farms, restaurants and food businesses. “Each month brings a new opportunity, a new chance to collaborate, and a renewed celebration of offering nourishing food to our community,” program manager Katherine Bryant Ingman says. “There is always more to do and learn as we find better and more equitable ways to operate. Our goal is to continually respond to the ideas of community members and local needs.”
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Lopez Food Share crew Katherine Bryant Ingman and Zoe Gregozek ready to serve!
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Are you curious about who “qualifies” for food assistance? We comply with federal, state and county guidelines for serving food-insecure households. There are many reasons why people use Lopez Food Share, and there is often a deeper story behind what might appear from outside observation. Neighbors can be going through hardships that are invisible to outsiders. For instance, a family may not appear to need food assistance, but in order to pay their bills, they periodically turn off their water heater to save $70 a month for food.
It is not easy for people to accept help. We know that there are neighbors just getting by, but not participating in our food program. LIFRC staff are working hard to eliminate the stigma of getting help through a food bank, which is why we changed the name to Lopez Food Share. The San Juan and Orcas food banks are considering following us in renaming their food support programs, so we all share the same name and diminish the stigma of food insecurity.
Our program relies on the tireless generosity of volunteers who unload, sort, pack, and deliver groceries. To ensure that folks receive the food they need, we offer an online pre-order system. We also offer pre-packed grocery and hot meal delivery for homebound neighbors. And we launched an in-kind drive for items not usually included in food bank selections, such as kids’ snacks, hot beverages, and spices to round out the bags with a bit more TLC.
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Non-perishable items in the new dry goods storage area.
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Our goal remains assuring that everyone has the food they need to stay healthy. To learn more about eligibility, please click HERE.
The evolution of the Lopez Food Share has been a bright beacon of hope in an otherwise difficult and daunting pandemic year. We are deeply thankful for our generous donors and volunteers who’ve made this program possible. Special thanks to the fabulous food community, local farmers, and Food Share recipients who have helped shape this invaluable community resource, which provides nutritious food to more than 200 Lopez households each week.
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Ashwini Bartolucci in action!
We are grateful to Liz Scranton for donating her professional services to make the new location welcoming and efficient while complying with all health and safety standards. Liz designed a facility usage plan that can be adapted to our rotating food supplies, and then refurbished the space. She was assisted by Ashwini Bartolucci, who took time away from online college coursework to donate her painting skills. We look forward to having Ashwini on our team again this summer as a food intern. Thank you Liz and Ashwini!
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Throughout the pandemic, we have relied on our partnership with our local newspaper, the Islands’ Weekly. When LIFRC needs to get the word out quickly about our evolving services, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising needs, Islands’ Weekly digital and print editions keep our community informed. Local journalism builds social cohesion, encourages political participation, and improves the efficiency and decision-making of local and state government. Newspapers around the U.S. are disappearing at an alarming rate. You can stem that tide by signing up to receive Islands’ Weekly in your mailbox for a monthly or annual fee. Find subscription information HERE.
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Help Lopez continue to thrive by supporting LIFRC!
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