Sunrise Food Bank's time is short, but operations continue as normal

Food for thought took on added meaning during the “Meet the Mayor” session at La Conner Swinomish Library Saturday.

La Conner Sunrise Food Bank Board President John Petrich and Director Arin Magill updated attendees on the probable move from the ground floor of the historic Garfield Masonic Lodge Building at Third and Benton. Area Masons are consolidating operations in Sedro-Woolley and selling their La Conner and Mount Vernon properties.

Petrich, a retired Swinomish Indian Tribal Community staffer, said the food bank’s lease for the 19th century Masonic Hall runs through 2025 with the possibility of a one-year extension.

“Our location is up in the air,” Petrich said. “We’ve put a lot of feelers out there for a place to rent but haven’t gotten any responses yet. We’re looking for alternate locations but it can be pretty tough around here. But we know we’ll be open every Monday through 2025.

“Hopefully,” he added, “we’ll be able to enter into another lease for a year beyond 2025.”

Magill also expressed ­optimism.

“We want to offer reassurance,” she said, “that we will continue one way or another. We will still distribute food.”

The La Conner Sunrise Food Bank with its 40 volunteers – many of whom are retirees – serves 100-120 families weekly, Petrich said.

“In a perfect world, we’d love to see the food bank remain there,” said Mayor Marna Hanneman, who added that her “wild dreams” envision the town owning the Masonic Hall at some point and relocating the senior center there.

“We appreciate everything you do serving this community,” said Hanneman, who lives across Third Street from the 140-year-old hall. “I see it every Monday.

“It’s a great operation,” she added. “They have a phenomenal group of volunteers. It’s one of the amazing things in our community.”

Hanneman said town staff have asked their counterparts at The Port of Skagit if its redevelopment plan for La Conner Marina could accommodate the food bank.

In that vein, Magill and Petrich indicated there are potential partnership opportunities that could facilitate future growth for the food bank.

“There are other spaces out there,” said Petrich, “that could be options and collaborations.”

Magill said that in the present financial climate La Conner Sunrise Food Bank is helping ease stress felt by families coping with higher food costs.

“As grocery prices increase,” she said, “more and more families are coming to the food bank.”

During the discussion on community emergency preparedness, Petrich and Magill said they hoped the food bank would be considered as plans develop for townwide disaster responses.

“Food and medicine will be huge challenges in an emergency,” said Petrich. “The building would be a place to gather and stay warm. We have plenty of volunteers and we’ll be there at least through 2025.”