Coeur D’Alene Food Bank Finds A Home Manager Says People Having Little Trouble Finding Their Way To It

Coeur d’Alene is no longer hungry for a full-fledged food bank.

After months of searching for a location, the Community Action Agency has programs up and running at 4942 Industrial Avenue East.

“We’re busy,” manager Paul Donnolo said Monday.

People are finding the facility despite its distance from central Coeur d’Alene, he said. His directions: Turn west off U.S. Highway 95 onto Kathleen Avenue; make a left onto Atlas Road, then a right, then a left into the industrial park. Industrial Avenue East is the second road on the right.

“We are out by TESH, which does occupational training for the developmentally disabled,” he said. “A lot of people know where that is.”

The agency has signed a six-month lease with an option to renew. It also hopes to contract with food pantries and soup kitchens in town, which can distribute food to people who may have trouble getting to the food bank.

The agency also helps people who can’t pay their power bills, or who need to weatherize their homes. And it provides referrals to other organizations.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the office, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the food bank. The agency is closed during the noon hour.

There will be an open house on Oct. 16.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society had been providing a temporary food bank after a different sponsor - the North Idaho Community Action Agency - went bankrupt last spring.

Bankruptcy proceedings will start this week, Donnolo said.

Some assets, including vans to transport food, are tied up in court, he said. So the food bank is hoping someone will donate a vehicle. Large shelving units and volunteers are also needed, he said.

Phone numbers at the Community Action Agency are 664-8757; and toll-free, 888-725-3663.

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MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: HOURS Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; food bank hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The agency closes for the noon hour.