FISH Food Banks' board member receives prestigious Jefferson Award

FISH Food Banks of Pierce County is thrilled to announce that Mike Mowat, FISH board member and tireless volunteer, has been awarded the 2013 Washington State Jefferson Award. Presented by Seattle’s City Club, local winners are considered “unsung heroes—ordinary people who do extraordinary things without expectation of recognition.” This is certainly the case with Mike Mowat. More than 200 nominations were submitted, and only five winners were chosen.

Mike knew there was a way to provide food assistance with dignity to low income neighborhoods that had limited or no access to a food bank. He wanted to find an innovative solution that did not require the expense of a building, yet could serve people inside to shield them from the Northwest weather. Mike found the answer: a moving van converted to a food bank on wheels. In June 2011, Mike and a cadre of volunteers spent months converting the van with shelving, lights, heat, a freezer and a generator. Every day, Mike stocks the shelves to make sure there is enough nutritious food to distribute. It was very important to Mike that the Mobile Food Bank follow the same procedures as the seven brick and mortar FISH Food Banks. Clients are not handed a pre-filled bag; rather, they are able to “shop” for the foods that best meet their needs. Currently, the Mobile Food Bank is located in five different sites, Monday through Friday each week. It is able to move where the community needs it most. In 2012, the Mobile’s Food Bank’s first full year of operation, more than 29,000 individuals were served 260,000 meals. For more information on the Mobile Food Bank, please visit: www.fishfoodbanks.org/pdf/Volunteers_Mobile0912.pdf

You can congratulate FISH’s Mike Mowat and help him advance to the national ceremony! Watch Evening Magazine on KING 5 on Monday, March 18, at 7:00pm (also available for online streaming). You’ll see a fun segment on Mike, filmed at the Mobile Food Bank. Vote for Mike to represent our state at the national awards in Washington D.C. in June. Voting will be open for all Washington residents from March 18 – March 25 on www.KING5.com or by phone. Celebrate at the City Club awards breakfast on April 9. Register at www.seattlecityclub.org/20130409. The National Nominee will also appear April 9 on New Day Northwest on KING5.

With your help, FISH will continue to provide food and services for individuals in need with compassion, dignity and respect. For every dollar donated, FISH can distribute seven dollars’ worth of food. If you are interested in becoming FISH’s next stellar volunteer, or donating food or funds, please contact Emily Happy at (253) 383-3164, or go to www.fishfoodbanks.org.