Food bank temporarily closes soup kitchen

The Ballard Food Bank has decided to temporarily close its soup kitchen at Calvary Lutheran Church at 23rd Ave. and 70th St. “Some people who attend the lunch program have not maintained a standard of behavior that is appropriate or respectful,” explained the food bank’s executive director and board president in a letter distributed to the neighborhood. “Over the next several weeks, our board will closely examine options to address the concerns that have been raised about the Meals Program, including discussing whether clients of this program can be served through other avenues or partnerships.” The kitchen has operated every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and it has served an increasing number of people in need over the last few months.

Last week, quite a few neighbors complained about the soup kitchen at a community meeting that discussed a plan to bring a nighttime SHARE shelter to Calvary Lutheran. The shelter’s move to Calvary has since been delayed. The food bank said it appreciated the feedback it received at the meeting, and now asks for your comments and ideas. “We welcome your feedback about how the program has personally impacted you and any ideas you have about how we can continue to respond to people in need while also being a respectful neighbor,” the letter reads, which follows below with contact information…

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Carlyle wants to hear your ideas for Olympia

This November, Ballard voters elected Reuven Carlyle (D) to the 36th District legislative seat. Carlyle ran on a platform of openness and transparency with the goal of becoming a “citizen legislator who listens well.” With that in mind, Carlyle has agreed to open a new and (we think) unprecedented line of communication: he’ll write about local issues right here on My Ballard and our sister blogs, encouraging your feedback and ideas. And yes, he’ll read the comments that follow. (Occasionally, we’ll invite other local leaders to write for My Ballard, as well.)

We encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to engage your local legislator at a critically-important time. Without further ado, here’s Carlyle’s introductory post below, with a challenge for My Ballard readers…

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