Volunteers are the backbone of FISH Food Bank
By Rachel Friederich, Serve Washington Communications
ELLENSBURG--At FISH Food Bank, Pantries and Open Table Meal Service in Kittitas County, volunteers do more than stock shelves or serve meals. They provide hope, dignity, and connection for those facing food insecurity. Every day, they show up to ensure families have fresh groceries, seniors receive hot meals and individuals in crisis feel seen and supported.
"We couldn't pull everything off without volunteers," says Elise Warren, volunteer coordinator at FISH. "They are the front-line people who do the most direct service with clients and staff. They bridge that gap."
FISH has 160 volunteers that help the food bank to meet the demand for food. In November 2024 alone, volunteers helped distribute food to 12,533 people experiencing food insecurity. FISH also supplies 40% of people living in Kittitas County with supplemental groceries, according to Warren.
An inclusive and welcoming space for all
At FISH, there's a place for everyone who wants to help, according to Warren. The organization welcomes volunteers of all abilities, ensuring tasks are accessible to those with physical limitations or intellectual disabilities. Spanish-speaking volunteers also play a crucial role in bridging language gaps, making sure every client can access the food and resources they need with ease.
"Our volunteers reflect our community," Warren says. "Some of our volunteers speak Spanish and help mitigate the language barriers with our customers. The volunteers and staff who provide services are always welcoming and treat our customers with dignity."
Warren says FISH volunteers come from all walks of life and have different backgrounds and lived experiences but are united in the common cause of making sure no one in Kittitas County goes hungry.
Like Dean and Karen, who volunteer four times a week in two locations with four different jobs. Or Sue, who comes for four hours twice a week and restocks the pantry, making sure shelves are always ready for the next round of clients. Or Gabriella, FISH's 84-year-old volunteer, also works at another nonprofit and helps at her son's saddle shop. Mary picks up groceries from local stores each morning and brings them to the pantry. Sarah bakes cookies for the lunch meals, bringing comfort to those in need, and Valerie carefully packs dog and cat food for our Meals on Wheels recipients who have pets, ensuring no family member-human or animal-goes without.
"The volunteers have a direct impact on our clients," Warren said. "They are the front lines and are the bridge between clients and staff. They serve on different shifts, and they know every client who comes in on different days. It's really beneficial to the clients. They get a sense of dignity-they don't just get handed a box."
Learn more about FISH food bank: https://kvfish.org/
Volunteer: FISH has a variety of volunteer opportunities. Anyone interested in volunteering must complete a background check and all volunteers are given a comprehensive orientation. Visit FISH's volunteer page to view opportunities and apply to be a volunteer.
