Every month, approximately 1,200 families visit the White Center Food Bank.

Many of those who walk through the doors are hard workers who do not have enough food to make it through the month-single parents, immigrants, and non-English speaking people.

One look around and it is obvious that this is not your typical food bank.

The White Center Food Bank operates from a unique "no questions asked" perspective. People do not have to prove income. They do, however, have to reside in the service area.

Located at 10829 Eighth Ave. S.W. next door to White Center Public House, the 3,700 square foot food bank's large boundaries extend north to Myrtle Street, south to 140th Street, east to State Route 509, and west to Puget Sound.

Hungry people outside the service area may be served once, and will leave with referrals to their neighborhood food bank and additional community resources.

Distribution hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and 6-8 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.

Visitors should bring a photo ID or other verification of address for everyone in the household (electric bill, rent receipt, etc.).

They find fresh meats, salmon, breads, pastas, canned goods, milk and desserts here.

A variety of meals is available-home delivered to those with special circumstances-including no-cook meals that are ready to eat, and ethnic foods for the diverse population served.

If baby items are needed, such as diapers, formula, cribs and more, even new car seats, these are available through the on-site Baby Pantry.

The White Center Food Bank staff takes pride in its excellent customer service.

Executive Director Rick Jump explained, "Historically, food banks are dark, dingy places in the basement.

"Whether you shop at QFC, Southcenter or the food bank, you need to be treated well. It's about customer service."

Jump said you may even see an occasional candy or soda pop donation here. "People should be able to make the same choices at a food bank as others do at stores," he observed.

For three years, Jump has served the White Center community, offering heaping helpings of compassion, a positive attitude and common sense.

He believes that problems are not challenges, but opportunities.

Jump's positive attitude seems contagious among staff.

Two friendly faces at the front desk are Tammi and Brett. They are professional and more than happy to make the process as speedy as possible.

Tammy came to the White Center Food Bank from the YWCA Community Jobs Program.

Brett, from Florida, moved here to work at the food bank. His goal is to open his own non-profit business.

Audrey Zemke is volunteer/resource coordinator.

Overseeing the food bank's 50 volunteers is a major responsibility as volunteers go to the grocery on a regular basis, keep precise track of food distributions, load and unload food, and complete too many tasks to list.

Jump said he can't emphasize enough his appreciation and respect for these dependable volunteers.

Beyond a spacious waiting room is a demonstration kitchen, where food bank clients are shown how to prepare various recipes. Food handling safety classes are conducted on-site, and volunteers have food handler cards.

Farther inside is the food bank's ample warehouse storage, with large walk-in freezers.

"We work hard to be culturally specific here," Jump stressed.

With 49 languages spoken in the White Center area, it is important to do this. Intake forms are available in six languages, and the food bank Mission Statement is available in four languages. Translators are available for non-English speaking people.

Clients are connected to other community resources including Seattle-King County Public Health. Food stamp sign-up is available on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The White Center Food Bank is an active member of the South King County Food Coalition, which coordinates the efforts and services of food banks throughout South King County.

And it benefits from a lot of community generosity by both businesses and individuals-as well as its annual Harvest Dinner and Auction each fall.

Local businesses such as Discount Tire Company generously give whole turkeys. The worldwide "Feed The Children" organization brings donated food and personal care items in its large truck.

Star Touring Company is a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who have opened their hearts to give.

The food bank also benefits from the National Letter Carrier's Food Drive each May.

Local Kiwanis, Fauntleroy UCC and the 34th District Democrats help with the two Wednesday evening distributions each month.

The facility is also partnered with West Side Baby, a local non-profit serving needy infants and young children in South Seattle and South King County to provide diapers, formula and other items for the Baby Pantry.

Established in the early 1970s by the St. James Lutheran and Highland Park United Methodist churches, the White Center Food Bank initially met a community need as thousands of workers were laid off in the Seattle area due to a major economic downturn.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington state ranks fifth nationally in hunger. Yet only 61 percent of eligible individuals in the state, many of whom are the working poor, receive help from the Basic Food Program.

Opportunities abound here. Whether you want to volunteer, give food or donate money-operating costs can be tremendous, with $700 electric bills this time of year-your generosity is appreciated.

Businesses can also help by sponsoring a food collection bin or organizing a group volunteer party.

Jump noted that, unfortunately, donations decline after the holidays, so the weeks before Christmas are an especially critical time.

Special food needs include canned fruits and vegetables, Hamburger Helper, Rice-A-Roni, beans and rice, he added.

For more information about the White Center Food Bank, call 206-762-2848.