Working together as a team—as a neighborhood-based food bank, ShareNet has been serving families in the northern-most end of Kitsap County for 16 years. The community, individuals, local businesses, state & county programs and fundraisers all provide food and funds necessary to run ShareNet’s many programs. With you, we served almost 90,000 pounds of food to over 600 families in 2006, that’s over 3000 client visits to the food bank - all thanks to YOU!

We are the only Kingston food bank that is a member of the Kitsap County Food Bank Coalition and the Washington State Food Bank Coalition. Membership is a benefit to us and those who support us with their contributions through: 1) Networking and sharing success ideas; 2) Performance and food handling accountability; 3) Access to special bulk purchases at greatly reduced prices; and 4) Coordinated registry that prevents client abuse.

WHO ARE OUR CLIENTS?

They are our neighbors—yours and mine. The majority of our clients are not receiving any other public assistance. Some have medical bills that have set them back. Some are single parent families. Others are forced to cut back on food in order to pay rent, prescriptions, or other expenses to avoid homelessness. Many are senior citizens with difficulty living on small pensions. Most are just good people who are out of work. Clients are allowed up to 8 emergency food boxes per year and are carefully interviewed to confirm their need and prevent abuse of the service.

Gas Vouchers: A once-a-year gas voucher is available to clients who are in need of transportation for a specific reason such as a doctor’s appointment or a job interview.

Service Connection: Area churches and businesses donate their time to help our clients complete home projects, lawn work and even provide transportation that they could not afford otherwise.

“Back to School” School Supplies: School supplies are provided for school aged children (K-12) with the following: Backpacks Pens and pencils Paper, etc.

Thanksgiving & Christmas Food Baskets: Clients sign-up to receive special food baskets with holiday foods provided by food drives, local businesses and holiday fundraisers. We typically provide food for over 100 families with these baskets.

Christmas Gift Shop: Gifts are made available through a Sponsored Family or through our Christmas Gift Shop where toys from various donors are provided. Last year we distributed gifts to all the members of 67 families in our area.

Client Advocacy: ShareNet works with our clients to find additional assistance to help provide heating, utilities, rental, and medical assistance.