The St. Leo Leo Food Connection

St. Leo’s parishioners started the Food Connection in 1982. In 2004 we served more than 117,000 people, over half of who were children or seniors. Last year, our Urban Gleaning program collected over 1.5 million pounds of food from a variety of wholesale providers, commercial and private farms, and local food drives. Unlike many local food banks we are open five days a week (including Saturdays) throughout the year and our clients are able to get food once a week. We are also a designated infant-feeding site, and distribute baby food, infant formula and diapers.

The Food Connection is more than a food bank. Volunteers, many of whom come from the community of need, provide more than two-thirds of our staff hours. We provide a supportive environment that allows people to regain their dignity and a new start towards self-sufficiency. Many of our volunteers who have not been able to work due to illness or physical and/or mental challenges, and the Food Connection provides an opportunity to help themselves while helping others. We partner with the WSU Extension Program to sponsor the Good Times Cafe, a demonstration kitchen which provides nutrition classes and samples of economically prepared dishes. We also provide food to more than twenty local non-profits, including day care, shelters and hot meal programs.

In addition to Commission members, the Food Connection can always use volunteers to sort and distribute food, pick-up food donations, provide translation services, and assist with administrative tasks. Of course, food and financial donations are always very much appreciated. For more information, please contact Kevin Glackin-Coley at (253) 383-5048 extension 102 or visit their website at www.foodconnection.org.