By KYRA LOW, The Mirror

The Multi-Service Center’s Federal Way Food Bank has a challenge for Federal Way residents: Match the $10,000 donated by the city.

The City Council voted on Dec. 4 to grant $10,000 to the Food Bank and now hopes that others in the city will join in the giving. Now is also a good time to donate money because with the matching grants and purchasing discounts the Food Bank receives, $1 donated can be turned into $4 worth of food, said Tricia Schug, community relations manager for the Multi-Service Center.

The challenge will extend into the new year, ending tentatively on Jan. 21.

This is an especially needy time of year for some Federal Way residents, Schug said, as the cold weather brings a lot of high energy bills.

Donations of food will also be counted in the match challenge: Cans and other non-perishable items as well as some perishables and produce, depending on the available space. It’s a good idea to call and check what’s needed first, Schug said.

The MSC Federal Way Food Bank serves low-income families and individuals living within the bounds of the Federal Way School District, and is one of the largest food banks in South King County. Open three days a week, the food bank serves elderly on fixed incomes, unemployed and underemployed families, homeless individuals and immigrant families; 47 percent are children, Schug said.

The food bank warehouse can hold approximately 50,000 pounds of food and serves 1,100 families a month, Schug said.

Contact writer: klow@fedwaymirror.com or (253) 925-5565.

Learn more

The Multi-Service Center food bank is at 1200 S. 336th St. in Federal Way. To learn more or donate, e-mail tricias@multi-servicecenter.com or call (253) 838-6810.