Feeding the hungry is a critical responsibility and the Ballard Food Bank has hired John Simpson as their new executive director to carry on that mission.

He is no stranger to food banks. Simpson has been a volunteer and board member of other food banks in Seattle and in Connecticut.

Simpson was a minister for 20 years. Some of that time was spent at the First Covenant Church on Capital Hill.

In his last job, Simpson taught freshmen in the Theology Department of Seattle Pacific University.

Simpson lives in Wallingford, but is familiar with Ballard. He has three children who attended Ballard Schools and has coached in the Northwest Little League.

"I love it, I'm so happy to be here. The main thing is making a difference with the volunteers and with members of the community," said Simpson.

In addition to introducing himself to community leaders recently, Simpson rode along on a home delivery route to meet with clients, most of them elderly who need groceries.

"Some were grateful for a visit, others shy away. The ones who are talkative are highly appreciative," said Simpson.

The Ballard Food Bank is one of the best in the city because of the long term volunteers said Simpson. The food selection is also better thanks to grocery store donations.

"I've met department store heads who have been working with us. Grocery stores are aware of us and allow us to pickup stuff. We're able to go get it with a van and make better use of it so it won't be wasted," said Simpson.

Windermere, the Letter Carriers and local churches are just of few of the groups making contributions. The Boeing Employee's Fund paid for a new forklift.

The Ballard community is generous in their support of the food bank by providing food and money.

"This neighborhood takes ownership, they want to serve and give back," said Simpson.

The Ballard Food Bank serves 600 households a week in their grocery line. During the summer last year, the number topped 630.

The list of clients and families who receive home deliveries is in the mid-80s. A three-day a week meal program which was moved to the Calvary Lutheran Church two blocks east in December serves over 360 people a week.

There are elderly clients who receive food. This frees up their money to pay for medical prescriptions and bills.

"All kinds of people have needs. All kinds of people have hunger issues," said Simpson.

In his past experiences at food banks, Simpson has learned that bagging food for people with individual needs is an imperfect system.

At the Ballard Food Bank, clients can choose what they want, within certain parameters.

Simpson's first goal is to hire a new operations manager to replace Tim McKenzie, a long time volunteer, employee and Board member who came out of retirement to keep the agency going while they searched for a new director.

"I will take a look at the program to see if it's up to speed and efficient with resources to meet the need of the community," said Simpson.

McKenzie is staying on for a few months to help Simpson get oriented to the food bank operation.

The Board of Directors hired Simpson because of his education and experience.

"They sensed John could identify with the mission of the agency. They saw John as someone who could move the agency forward as it continues to develop," said McKenzie.

"The challenge is to take the good qualities and make it better," said Simpson.