Western Sierra Food Bank Future Secured After Board Meeting

DOWNIEVILLE — Western Sierra Food Bank’s (WSFB) board of directors met in an emergency session on Thursday, September 17, to address the future of the program. The meeting, attended by 15 locals, was in response to Frank and Bette Jo Lang’s need to prioritize their family health and well-being by scaling down their civic responsibilities. The Langs have operated the food bank for 36 years and have served the community in numerous capacities for 50 years. They remain committed to the food bank and will continue to serve as administrators. They were heartened by the number of enthusiastic volunteers in attendance; those folks and others will tackle the operational aspects of the program.

Larry Breed of Sierra Country Store will continue to play a key role in ordering and handling the groceries. Others will help with assembling and delivering food baskets at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Twenty-five individuals have already signed up to support the program in some manner. If you would like to join that team, please contact Bette Jo Lang at 530-289-3644.

Western Sierra Food Bank was started by Frank and Bette Jo’s son Mark in 1988 as an Eagle Scout project. His parents and other community members have sustained the project ever since Mark left the nest, and it now operates as a non-profit corporation funded entirely by charitable donations. Since its inception, WSFB has distributed almost 15,000 food baskets, providing food for all the communities in western Sierra County. Its supporters include numerous businesses and organizations: Downieville Lions Club, Downieville Improvement Group, Golden Rays, Sierra City Improvement Group, E. Clampus Vitus, Downieville Grocery, Sierra Country Store, Sierra Hardware, La Cocina de Oro, JADAA’s, Sabrina’s at the Forks, Cold Rush, and Downieville Day Spa. The Assembly of God Church, the Methodist Church, and the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church have also provided aid to the program.

Besides distributing food baskets at major holidays, WSFB responds year-round to requests for food from individuals and families without regard to financial status or circumstances. The food bank coordinates these needs with Sierra County Social Services, Golden Rays, and others. This program is separate from federal commodities services and operates with an annual budget of about $30,000. Fundraising strategies were discussed at the meeting with the aim of boosting income to offset increased food prices. Current costs are about $85 per food basket, and WSFB distributes over 350 baskets each year.

During the meeting, Frank Lang pointed out that, contrary to popular belief, WSFB has never sponsored the Miss Jody Thanksgiving Dinner, although it has been the grateful recipient of donations from attendees. Hopefully, volunteers will step up this year to ensure the survival of the beloved community celebration.