Many of the estimated 1,200 families who visit the White Center Food Bank each month are hard workers who do not have enough food to make it through the month - single parents, immigrants, and non-English speakers.

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

A variety of meals are 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.

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

Jump has served the White Center community for three years. 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 and 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, says Jump, adding 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 said.

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 give whole turkeys. The worldwide "Feed The Children" organization brings donated food and personal care items in its large truck. 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 WestSide 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.

Jump says donations decline after the holidays.

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

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. to 1 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 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.).

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

Joy Henley may be reached via wseditor@robinsonnews.com