Fewer people in the community will go hungry, thanks to a donation to the Kent Food Bank from King County.
The County’s Facilities Management Division today delivered cases of canned soup, meat and fruit to the food bank. The supplies had been stored at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in case inmates and staff had to shelter in place at the facility due to flooding on the Green River.
Since permanent repairs have been made to the Howard Hanson Dam, the County determined that the emergency food supplies were no longer needed.
“We are happy to help people in need through this contribution,” said Facilities Management Division Director Kathy Brown. “By donating these canned goods to the Kent Food Bank, we can not only help people in our community, but be a good neighbor as well.”
The “use by” dates on the food were approaching, so the County elected to donate the canned goods so that they could be used before the dates passed. The Kent Food Bank was chosen for the donation because it is close to the Maleng Regional Justice Center.
“This donation comes at a great time for the Kent Food Bank,” said Jeniece Choate, Kent Food Bank executive director. “Donations tend to decline in the summer months, yet with schools being out, the demand for food assistance remains high.”
Along with clearing out the last of the emergency food supplies, King County is working in coordination with Green River Valley cities to remove flood protection measures at the Maleng Regional Justice Center and other County facilities in the area.
Brown estimates that this work will be complete by late summer or early fall.
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