Written by Marcia Hamilton | 30 January 2011

Although our platform does not specifically address access to food, the "Mason County Democrats believe in a participatory government that supports freedom of thought and expression, ethical behavior from our elected officials, and human rights for all people." We also recognize that "we are responsible for our ethical, economic, environmental and educational legacy." People cannot work and kids cannot learn when they are hungry. To that end the MCDCC is supporting its first "plank project," the Neighbor to Neighbor Food Brigade—"an auxiliary organization dedicated to providing food on weekends and evenings to our food-insecure population (homeless, teenagers, Hispanics and the working poor). "

Even before the doors opened and the trucks revved up on January 20, the third night of "NNN Food Brigade" food distribution, there were two women at the North Mason Resource Center who had heard all about it. Jeff Gislason, PCO from Belfair 2, was already there to help Carol Armstrong, the co-director. The women signed up as Food Brigade members and Jeff gave each two bags of food for their families. Articles in the North Mason Life and The Belfair Herald have been spreading the word and there are already 20 families signed up. No one is turned away. Food is distributed in the evening (on the third Thursday of the month) and on the last Saturday of the month, during hours when other food banks may be closed. The Staleys worked the Grapeview site with the Brigade's director, Teri Jelinek. Food for fifty families is distributed each night, including specific bags for diabetics and for Hispanic tastes. All leftover food is given to churches so none is wasted.

The Food Brigade will be expanding! Volunteers are needed to pack and distribute food, drive the trucks, and give hard cash to buy more food. Below is a list of food items to bring to each MCDCC meeting and the NMRC number and email addresses for the Brigade Directors. Join the fun!

Rebecca Westby designed the adorable logo!

Dates for the Brigade are: January 20, 29; February 17, 26; March 17, 26; April, 21, 30; May 19, 28; June 16, 25; July 21, 30; August 18, 27; September 15, 24; October 20, 29; November 17, 26; December 15, 31.

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