History
The Othello Food Bank was established in the early 1970’s by Reverend Neil Thompson and Mrs. Ruby Leary. The first food bank was housed in a small 11 x 16 foot room with shelves on the wall. In 1995 the food bank moved to its current location at 949 East Main Street.
Extensive renovations took place in the latter part of 2008 and first part of 2009. These renovations included expansion to the front of the building, the addition of two commercial freezers and a commercial refrigerator as well as metal shelving and a loading dock provided in part by the local Rotary Club as part of a service project. The food bank continued to expand due demand based on its community needs.
In 2012 Evergreen Implement donated a box truck to replace an aging trailer for donation pick-ups.
In 2014 Simplot provided a grant allowing for the purchase of a second commercial refrigerator.
In 2014 the food bank partnered with Second Harvest and Othello Walmart introducing the grocery recovery program into its organization. fu 2016 the Avista Corporation donated a Dodge pickup to assist with various food and grocery recovery donations that have continued to increase over the past few years.
Today, the Othello Food Bank feeds 200+ families a week.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Chair- Rev. Adam Janes
Vice Chair- Terry Thompson
Treasurer- Jessica Lustwig
Secretary- Lulu Gonzalez
Director- Brad Kent
Director- Mike Stevenson
Director- Kerrie Petersen
Director- Jacob Gama
Facilities Manager- Jose Garza
