Fishline has served North Kitsap since its founding in 1967, making it one of the oldest food banks in the United States.
Fishline was initially established through a combined effort of First Lutheran, St. Charles Episcopal and St. Olaf’s Catholic Parish and was run by volunteers from many local churches. Barbara Stuart, our first Executive Director worked with Fishline for 34 years! It was her visionary leadership that created our comprehensive services approach. Upon her retirement a client noted “She brightened everyone’s day and she blessed so many people with her wonderful smile and her willingness to help.”
Our first building was Spartsum Buttik (“The Savings Place” in Norwegian) on Jensen Way. In the early 90’s, Fishline moved to Third Avenue, where our food bank and thrift store shared space.
In 2009 the thrift shop moved downtown and was renamed “Second Season.” The food bank expanded to utilize the entire Third Avenue building. The thrift store is now located in Poulsbo Village, a prominent commercial shopping center directly off Hwy 305.
In 2014, Fishline purchased our new location on Viking Way to relocate all of our food services. We are currently using a market-style facility in a converted warehouse building as we prepare to construct our permanent Healthy Foods Market.
With the move of food services to Viking Way, the Third Avenue building became the new Second Season Home Store, which sells furniture and tools donated by the community. The move proved highly impactful for both parts of the organization, with Second Season Thrift Store doubling its income since the move and the Food Bank doubling its client participation.
Fishline has received recognition for excellence and innovation in its services. In 2009, our Food for Thought youth food program received the Food Lifeline Excellence in Client Services award, a prestigious industry award that considers programs from food banks throughout Washington State and awards the most innovative and impactful. Most recently in 2013, Fishline received a second Food Lifeline Excellence in Client Services award for its Fishbucks system and market design.
