JOHN DAY – The stream of patrons flowing into the Grant County Food Bank was steady for two hours on Nov. 26 for what would be a record-setting day.

As more people find a need to use the local food bank, more in the community are donating, said Dean Kile, president of the food bank board.

He noted this is not the case in other areas of the state, citing the situation in Bend where the demand is up but the giving is reported to be down.

Food bank board treasurer Walt Hall said there were 18 new Grant County families in line for November’s distribution and a total of 377 people served – 166 families.

“This is the biggest month we’ve ever had,” he said.

One thing that surprised Kile was the number of young people in line. He guesses they may have been laid off or had a cut in hours at work. He added that there were “plenty of volunteers,” and they were all needed.

One patron in line Nov. 26 later complimented the food-bank volunteers.

“One of the things I appreciate about the food bank is we’re all treated the same,” she said. “They’re friendly to everyone, and you don’t feel like you’re looked down on.”

The patron also said she’s careful to use all the food she’s given.

“We should all follow the advice of ‘If you don’t need it, don’t take it,'” she said.

Food contributions came from all over the county for November.

Kile noted donations were “intense” this month and included apples from North Fork Ranch in Kimberly, donations from the Elks Lodge in John Day and Prairie Wood Products, and grocery items from a store in Long Creek – the owner gave what was left over after an going-out-of-business sale.

An anonymous donor gave four $250 gift certificates to Chester’s Thriftway. With that donation, Kile says the board may decide to buy hams to give patrons during the Christmastime distribution.

“All kinds of people are donating,” Kile said. “Maybe it’s because we’re a small community, and people know other people who need help.”