Robinson Newspapers

The White Center Food Bank won't run out of at least one staple anytime soon after 5,0000 pounds of potatoes are delivered there Wednesday.

35,000 pounds of potatoes are travelling to Western Washington all the way from the Hirai Farms in Moses Lake and the White Center Food Bank is the first scheduled stop at about 11 a.m.

The remaining 30,000 lbs (about 15 tons) will then be taken to the Northwest Harvest Central Warehouse in Kent for further distribution.

Rick Jump, White Center Food Bank Executive Director said that in just one year there has been a 70 percent increase in the number of families they serve.

"So this will make a huge impact in the community; a donation of this magnitude makes a serious difference and we're very grateful," Jump said.

"Those in our community who are struggling to feed themselves and their families will get a break thanks to this generous donation," said Rep. Bob Hasegawa (D-Seattle, 11th Legislative District). "While these are hard times for everybody, the fact that the potatoes will be delivered just a week before Thanksgiving, makes it even more special,"Hasegawa was the liaison between the farm on the eastside and the food bank in western Washington.

"It all began this summer when I was part of a business tour and Blaine Hirai and I got to talking about doing something to help folks in need on this side of the mountains," he said.

Blaine Hirai, a Washington State farmer who is active in several charitable causes and organizations, has done significant work to address issues involving the educational, nutritional and housing needs of minority and disadvantaged communities in Washington. He has become a strong advocate of helping to provide the necessary elements and opportunities to those who have been deprived or have been placed in unfortunate circumstances.

"In today's economic climate, it is getting increasingly difficult for many people to feed their families," said Hirai. "When Rep. Bob Hasegawa told me that the White Center Food Bank needed food, I felt that as a farmer it was important I do something to help. I am happy to work with our state legislators to make this critical donation of potatoes."

The White Center Food Bank's mission is to minimize hunger while nourishing community, nurturing self-reliance and embracing the area's rich cultural diversity. It has been helping out people in need for over three decades and currently serves more than 1,200 hungry families each month. In 2007, it provided enough food for more than 53,000 individuals including 21,000 children under the age of 18.

Northwest Harvest is Washington's own statewide hunger relief agency. It secures 18 million pounds of nutritious food each year for distribution to nearly 300 food programs across the state, serving 36 of Washington State's 39 counties.