COVID-19 Response, Updated Statement, July 28, 2020

Announcements, News

Updated Statement on COVID-19

July 28, 2020

While the county remains in Phase 2 for now, Fishline will continue to provide food services with a food box pick up and remote client services. Please read below for more details.

Food Bank serving Poulsbo, Keyport, and Suquamish

Food Bank Pick Up Hours 

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Friday: 12 pm – 4pm

Wednesday: 2pm to 6pm

While the Market remains closed, we continue to offer curbside service for our clients. Our drive-through system is set up to serve the greatest number of people and adhere to the CDC guidelines for food pantries. Clients remain in their vehicle while volunteers gather their groceries and load them into their trunk. While they wait, the clients have the opportunity to select the produce they’d like and check out any weekly specials that are on display.

Appointments for food pick-up are scheduled over the phone with a Fishline staff person, by calling (360)779-5190. The staff member takes the client’s order and sets them up with a recurrent time and day for curbside pick-up each week. Client orders remain the same week to week. To simplify the distribution process, some of the groceries are boxed up ahead of time for distribution. We have a pre-packed box of staple pantry items such as cereal, pasta, rice, and canned items. We also offer dairy products, bread and baked goods, deli items, frozen meats, commodities, and have non-food sundries that are available upon request.

If you would like to be scheduled for a weekly pick-up, please call in and have one of our client services staff members walk you through the process. If you are not feeling well or cannot pick up your groceries, a friend, neighbor, or family member may pick-up groceries on your behalf. If needed, we offer grocery delivery to our clients, prioritizing elderly, sick, homebound, or high-risk clients.

Please make sure to check back on our website or Facebook weekly for updates or changes.

Client Services

Fishline will continue to provide all non-food related services remotely. If you or someone you know, need help with…

  • Rent
  • Utilities
  • Employment support
  • Case management
  • Or other struggles 

Please call (360) 779-5190 so we can connect you to services and/or resources. 

Donations

We are serving more households every week and continue to need your support.

Food Donations

We are only accepting non-perishable food at this time. Food donations are held up to 96 hours before distributing to reduce the spread of the virus. Here is a list of our most needed items:  Pasta, Chili (w/meat and w/out meat), Beef Stew, Soups, Top Ramen, Pasta Sauce, Canned Fruit, Canned Meat, Cooking Oil, Cereal, Sliced Bread, toilet paper, Diapers, sizes, 4, 5 & 6.

The designated drop-off area for non-perishable food is at the old Fishline building. Please look for signs directing you to the donation area.  

Financial Donations

We understand it might be difficult to get to a grocery store, and as such we are encouraging financial donations over food. Our buying power through Northwest Harvest and Food Lifeline allow us to stretch our dollar further, while stocking our inventory with our most needed items. Your donation is very much appreciated it. You can share a financial gift directly to Fishline in one of the following ways: 

Second Season Donations

We are now accepting donations for our Second Season store on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm, or until our storage area is full. Approved items can be dropped off at the old Fishline building at 19705 Viking Way.  When you arrive, please pull up in the delivery lane and wait for a Fishline volunteer to come greet you. We ask that all donors unload their own cars onto carts provided by our volunteers. 

Please note, due to storage capacity, we are not able to accept the following items:

  • Baby Equipment including car seats, cribs, strollers
  • Bed Pillows
  • Beds – mattresses, frames, head & foot boards
  • Electronics: Computers, Games, Stereos, Typewriters,
  • TVs
  • Exercise Equipment
  • Large Appliances
  • Furniture
  • Linens
  • Magazines, Encyclopedias
  • Medical equipment
  • Toys, Stuffed Animals (unless new in package)

Second Season Store Hours

We are open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For the safety of our shoppers and volunteers:

  • Donations are being received at the old Fishline building and held in quarantine for seven days prior to being moved to the store.
  • Shoppers are limited to 15 people in the store at a time, no more than two people per household.
  • To adhere to the state and county guidelines, we will be reminding shoppers of the social distancing requirement of 6 feet. 
  • Masks will be required in the store, except for children under the age of two. 
  • Dressing rooms will remain closed.
  • We ask that all directional signs be followed while shopping in the store.
  • The restroom is not open to the public.

Volunteers

Fishline strives to create an environment that brings out the best in our volunteers and in those whom we serve. During COVID-19, volunteers continue to be essential at the food bank, Second Season and gardens. However, we are following the CDC guidelines by asking those in the risk category, sick, or have an underlying health condition(s) to not volunteer at this time. 

Please contact Lidia Gamero, Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] for more information. We would love to see you join our team!


Second Season Donations & Reopening

News

Second Season Donations

We will begin accepting donations starting Tuesday, June 23rd. In order to protect our volunteers and shoppers, donations will not be accepted at the Second Season store location. 

All donations will need to be delivered to the old Fishline Building (annex) at  19705 Viking Way. Receiving hours are restricted to Tuesdays and Thursdays only, 11-4 or until our storage area is full. We will ask that all donors unload their own cars onto carts. 

We will not be able to accept the following items: 

We will not be able to accept the following items: 

  • Baby Equipment including car seats, cribs, strollers
  • Bed Pillows
  • Beds – mattresses, frames, head & foot boards
  • Electronics: Computers, Games, Stereos, Typewriters,
  • TVs
  • Exercise Equipment
  • Large Appliances
  • Furniture
  • Linens
  • Magazines, Encyclopedias
  • Medical equipment
  • Toys, Stuffed Animals (unless new in package)

Second Season Store Reopening Details

We will be reopening to the public Monday, June 29th. The thrift store will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, from 11am to 3pm.  

For the safety of our shoppers and volunteers:

  • Donations will not be received at Second Season.  They will be received at the old Fishline building and held in quarantine for 7 days prior to being moved to the store.
  • We will be limiting the number of shoppers to 15 in the store at a time, no more than 2 people per household
  • To adhere to the state and county guidelines, we will be reminding shoppers of the social distancing of requirement of 6′ 
  • Masks will be required in the store, except for children under 2. 
  • Dressing rooms will remain closed
  • We ask that all directional signs be followed while in the store shopping 
  • The restroom is closed. 

Fishline Announces Lori Maxim as New Executive Director

News

Poulsbo, WA – North Kitsap Fishline’s board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Lori Maxim as Executive Director, effective July 6, 2020. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Lori to our leadership team and to welcome her family back home”, said Sharon Stiles Board President of Fishline. “With more than 32 years of management and leadership experience, she will be a huge asset to our organization.”

Most recently, Maxim was Director of Revenue for Morris Multimedia and CEO of the World’s Best Adventures in Gainesville, Georgia. Prior to joining Morris Multimedia, Maxim served as Vice President of Sound Publishing, Inc. During her 28-year tenure, she had responsibility for the print and digital operations of newspapers in Whidbey Island, the San Juan Islands, Olympic Peninsula, Vashon Island, the Kitsap Peninsula and Tacoma. Maxim started her career with Sound as publisher of the North Kitsap Herald and Bainbridge Review. She and her family lived in Poulsbo for more than 20 years. 

Maxim has a vast background serving her community. She served on the board of Kitsap United Way and was a loaned executive for five years. She also served on the board of the Olympic College Foundation. She was President of Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, being awarded the Miles Turnbull Master Editor and Publisher award in 2012. Maxim was involved in North Kitsap Rotary, Kitsap Visitor and Convention Bureau and several local Chamber of Commerce boards in Kitsap County. She was a recipient of the YWCA of Kitsap County Women of Achievement award in 2016. 

“To say that I am excited would be an understatement“, claimed Maxim. “This is my dream job! I feel so honored to be able to serve the North Kitsap community, the amazing staff, board and volunteers of Fishline! My husband Glen, my son Sean and I are thrilled to be moving home to Poulsbo to be close to our family and friends.”

Contact: Sharon Stiles, Board President

North Kitsap Fishline

[email protected]

541-991-0053


We Need Your Help: Open Volunteer Positions During COVID-19

News

Due to COVID-19 we are limiting our current available volunteer positions to the following: Client Food Distribution Volunteer, Warehouse Distribution Volunteer (back of the house), and Market Delivery Driver. Please note that a mask is required and social distancing rules apply. See details below:

PositionDepartmentReports to
Client Food Distribution VolunteerFood BankAndrea Benson, Market & Operations Manager
Position Summary
The Volunteer Client Food Distribution Volunteer supports the Food Bank staff members with the temporary food bank drive thru system. This position involves multi-tasking and physical labor, including, but not limited to client order assembly, loading boxes into trunks and some client interaction. The ability to work with diverse populations in a busy environment is a must. This position includes some interaction with the public. Mask and 6ft social distance practices are mandatory.  

Necessary Skills:
Strong communication
Dependable, organized, and flexible
Must have a positive attitude, a desire to assist, and a willingness to learn new skills
Must be able to work independently and as a team member
Customer Service
Focused
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
Ability to work on your feet for several hours
Comfortable in a busy environment & public interaction
Must have a strong understanding of the Fishline mission and values and abide by our Culture of Respect  
Careful listening, patience, flexibility, compassion, and a good sense of humor are assets as a Volunteer Client Food Distribution Associate.
Retail, Food Service Experience is a plus.
Training will be provided.

Available Shifts: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays Wednesdays 12 PM – 4 PM 2 PM – 6 PM  

Application Process:   Interested applicants are required to complete a Volunteer Application by clicking here for our online individual volunteer application or contact Lidia Gamero, Volunteer Coordinator at (360) 779-4191 ext. 102.  

PositionDepartmentReports to
Warehouse Distribution Volunteer (back of  house)Food BankAndrea Benson, Market & Operations Manager
Duties and Responsibilities
The Warehouse Distribution Volunteer (back of house) supports the Food Bank with the temporary food bank warehouse operation with packing, sorting, stocking shelves and assembling food boxes. They also help keep the market and work areas organized and clean. There is a lot of lifting, bending, stretching and reaching involved, and volunteers must be able to stand for long periods of time, usually up to 4 hours. This position works independently, wears a mask and practices mandated 6ft social distance guidelines.  

Necessary Skills:
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Self-motivated
Ability to work well with others
Ability to work independently and safely
Repetitive motionTask oriented
Take direction well
Adaptability
Attention to detail

Primary Responsibilities:
Sort produce
Assemble boxes
Stock shelves
Clean work surfaces
Organize/sort donations
Repacking bulk items

Available Shifts:  Monday through Friday 1st shift: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM 2nd shift 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM 3rd Shift 4 PM – 6 PM

Application Process:   Interested applicants are required to complete a Volunteer Application by clicking here for our online individual volunteer application or contact Lidia Gamero, Volunteer Coordinator at (360) 779-4191 ext. 102.    

PositionDepartmentReports to
Market Delivery Driver  Food BankAndrea Benson, Market & Operations Manager
Position Summary
The Market Delivery Driver loads, transports and delivers food boxes to Fishline client’s home. This position includes some interaction with the public. Market Delivery Driver is expected to use their own car, gas and have their own insurance.  

You’re a great fit if you have…  
Ability to load, transport and deliver food boxes to client’s home address
Familiarity with North Kitsap neighborhoods/region
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
A safe driving record and follow basic traffic laws
Comfortable with public interaction
Are Dependable & have reliable transportation
A strong understanding of the Fishline mission and values and abide by our Culture of Respect

Available Shifts: Monday –  Friday  10 AM – 12 PM  

Application Process:   Interested applicants are required to complete a Volunteer Application by clicking here for our online individual volunteer application or contact Lidia Gamero, Volunteer Coordinator at (360) 779-4191 ext. 102.  

City of Poulsbo Announces “Poulsbo Cares” Initiative

News

The City of Poulsbo, in partnership with Empact Northwest, Gateway Fellowship, and Poulsbo Fishline announce the launch of “Poulsbo Cares,” an initiative to address some of the COVID-19 related needs of North Kitsap residents. The Poulsbo Cares initiative has three elements: (1) it helps Poulsbo residents unable to leave their homes to shop because of COVID-19 risk (2) it provides free meals twice a day for anyone struggling financially in North Kitsap, and (3) it provides meals, showers, internet, and laundry for people who are homeless or transient through the generous support of the Kitsap County Department of Human Services. “We’re really concerned about isolated seniors, people without homes, and people who have taken a financial hit from the stay at home order,” says Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson. “Poulsbo Cares is a community effort to help our friends and neighbors.”

Poulsbo Cares is an ongoing collaboration between Poulsbo government and three local nonprofits. The City’s Department of Housing, Health, and Human Services maintains a Poulsbo Cares HELP line (360 517 5037) for anyone looking for home deliveries, help with errands, or meal assistance. Volunteers are dispatched by Housing, Health, and Human Services and Empact Northwest, a nonprofit specializing in disaster relief run by Poulsbo Fire Captain Jake Gillanders. Gateway Fellowship hosts a kitchen turning out two meals a day, 7 days a week, along with a day shelter that provides respite, showers, and laundry service from 11am to 3pm every day. Fishline works with the City, Empact NW, and Gateway to assist individuals in need of nutrition, and donates food to the Gateway kitchen two times a week.

“One of the best things about Poulsbo Cares is its army of volunteers,” says Housing, Health and Human Services Director Kim Hendrickson. “Between the City and Empact Northwest, we have over 70 people who have signed up to volunteer in Poulsbo. There are people making Trader Joe runs, people transporting food from Fishline to Gateway, people chopping vegetables in the Gateway kitchen, and people sewing masks for other volunteers. My biggest challenge, at the moment, is to keep everyone engaged since we may not have enough work for all these wonderful people.” 

Poulsbo Cares involves local businesses as well as non-profits and volunteers. A local print shop designed a logo and t-shirts, a local real estate office organized a volunteer team, and another local business provided design services for posters and flyers. A local restaurant brought pizza for 60 today. “We are all pulling together to help each other,” says Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson, “and this is going to be even more important in the coming weeks.”

To request assistance from Poulsbo Cares, call the City of Poulsbo HELP line at 360 517 5037. Calls are answered from 8am to 6pm Monday-Friday. Assistance can also be requested online through Empact Northwest at https://www.empactnorthwest.org/covid.html

Requests to volunteer are welcome but cannot always be accommodated. Sign up forms are available on the Empact Northwest COVID-19 page, https://www.empactnorthwest.org/covid.html.

For more information, contact Kim Hendrickson at the City’s Housing, Health and Human Services Department 360 394 9794 or [email protected]