Grange discusses food bank facilities

Members of the Grays River Grange #124 congregated last week for their regular Tuesday meeting. Prior to the 7 p.m. meeting, grangers strolled through the double doors bearing delicately baked treats to share with their neighbors and friends. Following a dinner, dessert and coffee, members gathered in the main hall to commence an opening ceremony traditional to the farm-based fraternal organization.

Perhaps unique to the Grays River Grange was the musical accompaniment of Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic playing the tune of the Rolling Stones classic song “Ruby Tuesday." On the agenda, grangers discussed business, agriculture and the results of the recent primary elections.

“The grange is a non-partisan organization,” Master Novoselic noted for clarity.

That said, Mike Backman, an Independent, running for District 1 county commissioner; was present at the meeting to discuss the availability of county food bank facilities.

“We’ve got three different food bank locations on the east end of the county,” said Backman. “Is there anything available to residents on the Westend?”

Grange members were unaware of a location of the west side of the KM Mountain where county residents could receive food assistance.

“Is there any way of knowing how many residents need assistance?” Novoselic asked.

“I don’t have any figures,” replied Backman. “People are using the food banks on the east side but I can’t say how many of them are making the trip over KM. It seems to me that if a family is having trouble getting enough to eat, it would be hard to make the 30 mile drive to the food bank.”

Marilyn Gudmundsen said, “This is something that has come up at the Grays River United Methodist Church. I’d be happy to bring it up again.”

“It would also be worth looking into Johnson Park,” suggested Lecturer Robert Pyle.