PORT ANGELES – The Port Angeles Food Bank this week launched a whole new method of distributing food that’s similar to a shopping experience for its clients.

Months of planning culminated in the launch of a new “grocery store model”, and more than 90 families experienced those changes for the first time on Wednesday.

Instead of clients moving through a line to be handed items from shelves, they now “shop” with the aid of a personal shopper, using monthly points to buy exactly what they want, and will actually use.

Executive Director Emily Dexter says they found that the old model of telling folks what and how much they could take, leads to more food going unused.

At checkout client’s groceries were even bagged for them using bags donated by Bags Go Green in Carlsborg.

Dexter says the success of the new program appears to extend beyond the experience of the clients. She says even the volunteers seem to like it better than the old way.

Dexter says if you’re interested in volunteering for the Food Bank, you can email her at edexter@portangelesfoodbank.org.

The PA Food Bank is open for distribution on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11am – 3:30pm. Donations can be dropped off every weekday morning from 9am to noon.

Photo: Emily Dexter