FISH has turkey, food for Thanksgiving

On Nov. 28, 2014, the day after Thanksgiving, the Friends In Service to Humanity (FISH) Food bank caught fire, burning nearly all of the food stored for the holidays. In the aftermath, there was a large hole in the building.

A few days later, on Nov. 30, they were serving hot meals from Mercer Creek Church as if nothing had happened.

Nearly a year after that devastating fire that destroyed 90 percent of their food stock, FISH is seeing next to no repercussions. They plan for smooth operations at their new location next to Mercer Creek Church this Thanksgiving.

“We’ve never not had food,” said FISH Program Director Roger McCune.

Once news got around that FISH had burned down, both the community and the state pitched in food to get them back on track.

According to McCune, their rapid recovery was due mainly to the generosity of the community and the use of social media to get the word out.

“Social media has played such a huge role in getting communication done,” McCune said.

While FISH still owns the old building where the fire took place and has every intention to remodel, McCune said it’s still too early to say how.

“We just don’t have a conclusion,” McCune said.

FISH currently rents its permanent location from Mercer Creek Church.

According to McCune the location has offered no problems, although they still have a lot to optimize in their new space, including the offices and kitchens.

While FISH and its supporters are ready to serve the community this Thanksgiving, they’re worried a turkey shortage may hinder their plans.

Earlier this season the Yakima Herald reported that a bird flu wiped out 8 million turkeys. However, this most likely won’t affect consumers because of marketing strategies.

According to the Yakima Herald, the wholesale price of turkey is up and production is down. Despite this, stores will sell the frozen poultry at a loss just to get consumers in the door.

While individuals reportedly have nothing to worry about, FISH expects to be hit harder by the shortage.

“We’d like to get everyone a turkey who needs one,” McCune said. “But that may not happen this year.”

Despite this, McCune said FISH always does something special for the holidays, and he looks forwards to this.

“Food always comes through,” McCune said. “At this point, I’m not worried.”

About FISH

Since 1972, FISH has served the community by offering to fulfill the nutritional needs of those who can’t afford to.

“Our whole focus is nutrition,” McCune said.

Consisting of 14 local churches, the non-profit, full service food bank provides food everyday and four hot meals a week. According to McCune, anyone in need can come in and get their full nutritional needs met.

According to McCune, FISH helps around 620 families get their nutritional needs every month.

“[FISH helps] about 1,600 individuals,” McCune said.

FISH sponsors a number of other community services. In collaboration with the Salvation Army, FISH helps with emergency utility, medical and disability services.

Before they were displaced, FISH also worked with Central’s nutrition department, providing a cooking class and nutritional training.

According to McCune, one thing FISH is always looking for is help through volunteers. While food is always a high priority for a food bank, there are never too many volunteers.