'Impressive' new Ballard Food Bank opens - just in time | Community Spirit

After 40 years of serving the community, the Ballard Food Bank is getting a new home.

And in our down economy, it couldn't come at a better time, say food bank managers and volunteers.

The new facility looks like a neighborhood market - but to shop there you don't need to bring money.

On Sunday morning, the new Ballard Food Bank opened its doors - and it's a major step up from the old place.

"The old building was much smaller. It was lots of small rooms," says the food bank's executive director, Nancy McKinney.

McKinney says the food bank serves around 1,100 people a week - and the need is growing.

"It's never been greater and it's continuing," she says. "While the unemployment numbers look like they are leveling off, a lot of people are not getting unemployment, and they still don't have a job."

One of the major upgrades is new walk-in cooler allowing the facility to keep more fresh foods on hand. And the fact that it's set up like a market is no accident.

"We want to give dignity to everyone and let them choose what foods they would like to eat - much like I would like at the grocery store," McKinney says.

The new building also houses a clothing bank and other assistance programs - a true grassroots effort with two-thirds of the cost paid for with simple donations.

"It's very impressive. I'm very impressed," says Nicole Goldsmith says as she stops by to drop off some food.

She says she's not surprised so many people need the extra help.

"Yeah, especially now. It means a lot - even more now to make a donation, when you know people are having tough times," Goldsmith says.

The Ballard Food Bank also has a home delivery program for people who can't get to the new facility.