HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - BOCCGRANT COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS AGENDA MEETING REQUEST FORM
(Must be submitted to the Clerk of the Board by 12:00pm on Thursday)
REQUESTING DEPARTMENT: BOCC
REQUEST SUBMITTED BY: CEMANELL
CONTACT PERSON ATTENDING ROUNDTABLE: CEMANELL
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: ❑YES ® NO
DATE:11 /4/2024
PHONE: 2931
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,'CORDING FOR AGENDA:
a What, '`, '" Tern cost, etcLetter of Support for the Mattawa Area Food Bank Expansion Project application
for funding from the Paul Lauzier Foundation. The Mattawa Area Food Bank is
requesting $97,000.00 to fund improvements to accommodate the growth of the
Food Bank.
If necessary, was this document reviewed by accounting? ❑ YES ❑ NO 0 N/A
If necessary, was this document reviewed by legal? ❑ YES ❑ NO 0 N/A
DATE OF ACTION: ', '� �•
APPROVE: DENIED ABSTAIN
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DEFERRED OR CONTINUED TO:
WITHDRAWN:
4/23/24
GRANT COUNTY
OFFICE OF THE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
P 0 Box 37
EPHRATA WA 9BB23
(509) 754-201 1
November 12, 2024
Paul Lauzier Foundation
Post Office Box 1230
117 Basin Street Northwest
Ephrata, Washington 98823
Re: Letter of Support for the Mczttawa Area Food Bank Expansion Project
Dear Paul Lauzier Charitable Grant Committee,
We are writing to express our strong support for the Mattawa Area Food Bank's
application for funding through the Paul Lauzier Foundation. Grant County deeply values the
dedication and impact of the Mattawa Area Food Bank, which serves our community solely
through the commitment of volunteers, without any paid staff. Currently, the Food Bank
provides essential food supplies to an average 950 households each month. This represents a
growth of over 210% since 2014 when they served 450 households. This remarkable expansion
has been achieved with the same group of volunteers and the same equipment, underscoring the
urgent need for additional resources to sustain and enhance their efforts in serving this under-
resourced, rural Hispanic community.
The demand for food assistance has surged in recent years, and the Food Bank now supports
more families, seniors, and individuals than ever before. The proposed expansion project,
including a half -acre gravel parking lot and a new walk-in freezer/cooler, is crucial to meeting
the increased demand. These improvements will enable the Food Bank to store and distribute a
larger quantity of fresh and frozen foods, ensuring consistent and safe access to nutritious
supplies. Additionally, the expanded parking lot will enhance safety and accessibility for clients
and volunteers during high -demand distribution days.
Community Impact
The Mattawa Area Food Bank has been an essential lifeline in the community since its
establishment in 1985. It operates out of a 1,750-square-foot facility constructed in 2014 on a
long-term leased plot from the Port of Mattawa. Food distribution occurs bi-monthly, facilitated
by a dedicated group of volunteers who generously give their time and energy without
compensation. Despite the growth in service needs, this volunteer -driven organization has
Danny E. Stone Rob Jones Cindy Carter
District 1 District 2 District 3
"To MEET CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS? SERVING TOGETHER WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES9 WHILE FOSTERING
A RESPECTFUL AND SUCCESSFUL WORK ENVIRONMENT."
continued to operate with the same equipment and workforce, highlighting the necessity of
infrastructure improvements to manage increased demand effectively.
Project Benefits
The proposed expansion project will bring critical benefits to the community:
Increased Storage Capacity: The addition of a new walk-in freezer/cooler will expand the
Food Bank's capacity to store a greater variety of fresh and nutritious food, directly
supporting its mission to nourish the community.
Improved Accessibility and Safety: The larger parking area will provide safer, more
accessible space for volunteers and clients, facilitating smoother operations and reducing
congestion during distribution.
With a total project budget of $97,000, the requested funding from the Paul Lauzier Foundation
will cover these essential improvements. This grant will empower the Mattawa Area Food Bank
to continue its impactful work sustainably, supporting the all -volunteer team as they meet the
increasing needs of the community without compromising safety or efficiency.
We strongly encourage the Paul Lauzier Foundation to fund this vital project. The expansion
addresses the immediate need for improved resources to support the Food Bank's operations and
ensures ongoing, reliable service to the under-resourced, rural Hispanic population. Thank you
for considering this request. Should you need further information or wish to discuss our support,
please contact us by email at commissionersggrantcountywa.gov, or by phone at (509) 754-
2011 ext. 2901.
Sincerely,
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Cindy Cart� , Chair
J
Danny E. tone, Vice -Chair
Rob ' s, ember
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