The Tukwila Pantry, a food bank that has been serving families in South King County for five years, has an immediate need of additional funding to continue its mission of helping hungry families

"It takes many sponsors to keep an operation like the Tukwila Pantry running," the food bank stated last week in a news release asking the community for financial assistance.

"Please help [our] volunteers continue to feed the community by sending a financial contribution."

An unanticipated rate of growth in the need of families for assistance from the Pantry is the cause of the request for financial assistance.

In May 2004, the Pantry served 368 families. Over 600 families were assisted this May.

The Tukwila Pantry serves families in Burien, Boulevard Park, SeaTac, Tukwila, South Seattle and Skyway.

People from Des Moines, Kent, Auburn, and Tacoma have also benefited from the Pantry.

Over the past five years, the Tukwila Pantry has served over 13,000 households and 47,000 individuals. Recently, families have returned that have not used the food bank's services for more than six months.

Although the Pantry has been able to find food resources to meet the increased need, the release said its financial resources have been dwindling faster than predicted.

Food transportation costs (fuel, repairs, and insurance) take the largest part of the Pantry's operating budget. Equipment maintenance and utilities are second and third on the expense list.

A dedicated group of 30 individuals volunteer over 260 hours a week to keep the Pantry serving the needs of the community.

These volunteers sort, pack and distribute food to over 230 families per week.

Tax-deductible contribution can be mailed to: Tukwila Pantry, 3118 S. 140th St., Tukwila, WA 98168.