We’re heartened that FISH food bank has decided to meet the rising need — a 42 percent rise in 2008 — by expanding its hours to Saturdays.
    High school youth as well as Providence Health System workers, and the FISH board itself will serve the weekend hours. (Details on page A5.)

With the economy in a slide, it is timely for FISH to expand its outreach. And the word outreach is important to keep in mind. One could call what FISH does a “ministry,” for it is the churches of the Gorge Ecumenical Ministry that donate many of the hours. The name FISH originates in the Christian image of the fish. Historically, the looping symbol of the fish (much satirically abused on the backs of cars) was used by followers of Jesus during times of persecution to indicate safe havens.

In Hood River, the name FISH has been refashioned as the acronym for “Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help,” as the felt banner in the entryway states.

It’s important to note that while the food banks are based in churches, and members of local congregations do much of the work as a spiritually inspired service, FISH as an organization is non-denominational, and even neutral. There are no tracts or proselytizing connected with the outreach.

Community groups of all stripes have served FISH over the years. As FISH board president Marianne Durkan puts it, “We are lucky to live in a community that recognizes that food insecurity and hunger are not acceptable and support FISH food bank.”

Right now, the shelves at the food bank are well stocked, but donations are always needed.

Plenty of food comes in during November and December, and those donations are still being distributed. But hunger is a year-round thing, particularly when more and more people are feeling the pinch in this trying economic time. Volunteer Lorinda Hoffman, profiled on page A1, had a very simple suggestion for anyone wanting to help FISH continue its outreach: Hold a food drive in, say, May or August.

Raising awareness of the ongoing need is one function of FISH’s new and informative Web site, www.fish-food-bank.org.

In its 40th year, FISH has entered the online age but it retains the personal touch.

The nonprofit, community-based service to those in need is a welcoming place. Volunteers greet clients with smiles as well as with food. The food could be the standard assortment of basics recommended by Oregon Food Bank, or other items of choice. Clients also receive information on food nutrition and health-related community resources.

More than bags of food are to be had at FISH food bank. Upon its 40th birthday, FISH and its supporters deserve a round of thanks for consistently working to fill a growing need in the community.