Your Port Angeles Food Bank - A Critical Resource More than Ever

​Notes from a Conversation with Fran Howell, President of the Port Angeles (PA) Food Bank’s Board of Directors

by Lisa Dekker

Our talk began by discussing an unfortunate development affecting our rural county that was announced back in January. The U.S. Department of Agriculture under the new administration ended a major component of the nationwide Local Food Purchase Agreement (LFPA). The LFPA will no longer subsidize a program whereby fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables are purchased from local farmers for food banks and other entities. This is a big loss for both our farmers and all of our local hunger relief organizations.

More recently, there is the so-called “Big, Beautiful” reconciliation bill. If passed as-is by both houses of Congress, the bill would make severe cuts to SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. Per the  Port Angeles Food Bank’s executive director, if the proposed drastic cuts are implemented, the hit to the PA Food Bank’s budget could be several million dollars annually as more people turn to the nonprofit for help.

Port Angeles Food Bank Tidbits

• The Port Angeles Food Bank (PAFB) started 50 years ago in two small rooms in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. They are now housed in a large refurbished warehouse near the Walmart on 101 just east of town.
• Since September 2022, shoppers have been welcomed to “The Market,” which is set up much like your local food store, except everything is free. 
• At The Market, folks can browse and choose the foods they prefer for themselves and their families. Less food is wasted because clients take only what they can use.
• If transportation is an issue, the Food Bank brings food where people need it. The PAFB Mobile Market is a van loaded with groceries that makes scheduled stops on certain days in neighborhoods around the city to be sure everyone has access to food. For days, times, and locations go to: https://www.pamarket.org/mobile-market.
• Right now, “innovation and creativity” are their watchwords as they improve customer services, create greater efficiency, and find new ways to fundraise. A great example is a new program called Comfort Cafe. The Food Bank’s chef and her volunteer team create nutritious pre-cooked frozen meals for sale to the public. For each meal purchased, a meal is donated; a great way to both enjoy the convenience of a delicious packaged meal, and to give back to the Food Bank. Check out their menu and order online at https://www.comfortcafemeals.org/ and pick up your order at the Food Bank.

Spread the Word
Howell would like our readers to help spread the word that the Food Bank can be a safety net for anyone. She said that many families in our area are often “just one emergency away” from needing assistance. Relying on the Food Bank, even if just temporarily, can financially mean the difference between staying in one’s home, versus missing a rent payment, or even facing eviction. In other words, why not shop the Food Bank for free when you need to, and use the money you’ve just saved for rent, medication, or other necessities?

Here to Stay
The Food Bank’s Board of Directors, as well as the Executive Director, are committed to financial sustainability in order to continue as a dependable food resource for the people of our community far into the future. As Howell emphasized, “We are here to stay.”

Go to portangelesfoodbank.org for hours, location, and how to donate.

​Sources:
Local Food Purchase Assistance (WSDA Washington State Department of Agriculture)
Thousands in WA at risk of losing food benefits under GOP bill in Congress (Washington State Standard, 6/3/2025)

​Images used with permission from Port Angeles Food Bank