Tribal Food Bank Stocked for Families in Need
This article is also featured in the February edition of the Cow Creek Tribal Newsletter. Browse newsletter archives here (Tribal login required).
“Do you have any more bread coupons over there?”
“You guys need a little Christmas candy for the road!”
“Oh don’t worry, we always have extras, it’s all good.”
“Are these all the noodles we have?”
Pleasant snippets of conversation like these are heard chit-chatting back and forth on most pickup days for the Cow Creek Tribal Food Bank. Tribal members and their family catch up in the parking lot, while Sophia Gosselin and Joy Sewall stride up and down the Food Bank’s tall wooden shelves, stacked high with canned food and pantry staples, holding each Tribal member’s Food Bank shopping list. Smiles are all around. They roll up the Food Bank doors and a radio on a nearby table plays hits from the 80’s.
“I bring music out to keep it light and make people feel comfortable,” says Sophia, Programs Assistant for Cow Creek Social Services, and the Food Bank manager. “I want people to feel good about coming here, not scared. Food Bank is here for a reason.”
Whatever that reason is, Sophia and Joy say they’re there to help. Cow Creek’s Food Bank provides groceries and nutritious food to Tribal members under financial stress all year long, helping to alleviate monthly grocery bills when food prices are increasing, some are unable to work, or others are taking care of family members. Winter months tend to mean more folks visiting the Food Bank.
“[After] Christmas, maybe they’re low on money,” says Sophia. “People are in a difficult situation and need that lifeline to get them through.”
“A lot of times they don’t utilize the amount of food they can get,” adds Joy, a Transitional Case Manager in Social Services, while packing a reusable grocery bag with flour and sugar.
In Douglas County, recent statistics show 46% of households are in financial hardship, and almost 15% of households have food insecurity. To avoid those devastating effects on a family, the Tribe’s Food Bank was started in 2010 with the intention of reducing insecurities.
“Eating healthy can lead to a better quality of life,” says Sophia.
Taking advantage of the program is easy. Food Bank days are regularly scheduled every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Tribal members drive up (located behind the main Tribal Government Offices in Roseburg), fill out a quick and simple form (view the form by clicking here) that testifies to their income and household members, and then select their preferred groceries. Versatile foods, as well as kids’ favorites, like macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, and ramen noodles, are always among the top choices.
“It’s a wonderful service,” said one recipient recently while waiting for her groceries. “It’s life changing. You cannot live without food. Our grocery bill is so low now because all we have to get is milk and fresh veggies.”
Despite the COVID pandemic disrupting shipping and causing unexpected shortages, Tribal members won’t see those changes impact the Food Bank.
“Our supplier for the Food Bank does an excellent job of really ensuring we’re getting the items we’ve ordered so we don’t see a lot of unavailable items,” says Sophia. “We just substitute what we can to really ensure our Tribal members are being taken care of when in need.”
Even when that need extends outside the regularly scheduled pickup days. Sophia says Tribal members can call her to schedule an alternate day or time that fits their schedule, and Joy says she also uses Food Bank for Tribal members moved into transitional housing.
“There a lot of times an emergency box is necessary,” says Joy. “We’ve had people set up in a hotel and they have no food.”
Many Tribal members admit they aren’t aware of the program, or have questions about how it works. Though Sophia knows that it can be difficult for others to accept help, she offers the reassurance that this program is here to provide a little extra support in times of need.
“I just want everybody to feel good about coming to the Food Bank,” she says. “It’s nice to know you’re sending people away with food in their house, and knowing they’re going to eat and be okay for the month.”
The Cow Creek Tribal Food Bank is open every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Contact Sophia Gosslein with any questions: SGosselin@cc.anvilnorthwesthosting3.com
