FISH Food Banks of Pierce County Administration Office

FISH Food Banks are always friendly and as generous as possible even though the need is often greater than the available supply of donations.
7 years ago (04-01-2018)

FISH works hard to deliver consistent results for the public. This a very difficult logistics issue and for the most part they do an amazing job. For the gluten-intolerant there is a rice-based macaroni option, and they really try to separate for the needs: mothers with babies, dietary issues, and those unexpected food items that nobody knows what to do with, like pickled mushrooms or yet another case of cranberry sauce. If a volunteer has suggestions on what to do with a food item, listen to them--their ideas are always useful and they like hearing your ideas too. Nobody likes going to a Food Bank because they need help, but the director needs to remember this. Several years ago it was easier for the patrons with mobility issues to go the one at Proctor because Middle Schoolers were parking the carts and helping out in other little ways. Now there is no one to park the carts unless they ask for the help of another patron. Being told by the Director that everyone needs to park their own carts because they were short-handed and finishing with "you're getting free food!" made me sick to my stomach. I was going for another person who could not walk across the parking lot and she would have been belittled and horrified at that treatment. Another patron told me she was belittled for donating food she was unable to eat (dietary reasons) and the director commented, "Oh, you're giving food AND you're here for food??" The volunteers are great people. Seating arrangements are very inefficient. Instead of just having people take a number at the door and come up when the number is called, patrons have to stay in one spot and are afraid they will be kicked out of line if they step out to go to the toilet.
9 years ago (27-07-2016)