Our History
How We Got Started
Neighbors In Need has been a pillar of Skagit County for decades.
Started by members of the community for other members of the community, we are a force against hunger that is still going strong.
Continue reading below to learn about the evolution of our food bank as it has developed over time.
On May 4th, 1972, the first bulletin concerning a Neighbors In Need location in Mount Vernon was shared:
Humble Beginnings
At the alley entrance on 3rd and Kincaid, Neighbors In Need first took root inside the basement of the Old Presbyterian church right here in Mount Vernon, WA. Although the church itself is no longer standing, Neighbors In Need is still going strong. The year was 1972, and the name to know was Kay Gizinski.
Kay's Question
Neighbors In Need, as a larger, nation-wide organization, grew from the work of the Ecumenical Metropolitan Ministry founded in 1967 by church leaders focused on fighting hunger as a way to ease Seattle’s civic unrest resulting from the “Boeing Bust,” a time of massive layoffs, unemployment crisis, recession, and inflation. There was a perception change in society: institutional issues (poverty, racism, lack of social safety net) became seen as direct cause of hunger rather than individual failing.
Over the Christmas season of 1971, while making holiday baskets for churchgoers in need, former WWII Gray Lady Kay found herself wondering how families obtained food when the holidays were over. With the help of Ray Mason, she decided to begin the step work to establish a NIN locally and ultimately get us to where we are today.
How We've Grown
In the 1970s, NIN started out with just bread and potatoes. Once stores got word of our efforts, they offered dented cans, and local gardeners offered produce.
In the 1980s, the state of WA provided grants for potatoes, onions, rice, pasta, and eventually, even aided in supplying cheese and butter! This was a huge step for NIN.
In the 1990s, WA grants added refrigeration units and freezers to food banks in order to allow for storage of healthier, unprocessed foods.
Today, NIN’s aim is to gain and share greater access to fresh local produce.
Community Support
Support from our local community has not only been what kept us afloat and operating all these years, but is also a key part of what keeps us going. Any and all support is appreciated and does not go unnoticed whether it be a donation of money, food, or time. Pictured to the right is the first official truck donated to NIN in 1983 by Matthew Paul from the Mount Vernon Rotary! This act of kindness made a huge difference in NIN’s ability to pick up produce and other food for distribution to the community.
Changes, Trials, and Tribulations
Our trucks weren’t the only thing that changed over the years. Neighbors In Need has faced a lot of changes since its start 50 years ago. First, we moved to an old dental office on 209 Milwaukee Street (pictured on the right), and operated from there for 10 years. Once the building was up for sale, we found our current spot on South 2nd Street (pictured below) in August of 2000.
The tides of government financial support have also ebbed and flowed over the lifetime of NIN. At times we largely depended on it; other times, we had to find a way to go without.
In May 1975, NIN was in danger of closing its doors due to “on-again, off-again” state funding and lack of private support. Affiliated Association of Food Banks of WA in Seattle used to fund 50% of NIN center’s purchases via government grant. By this time, in 1976, NIN grew to a total of 88 food banks, but the warehouse on Pier 90 was nearly empty. Volunteers responded to need by beginning to glean local farms.
After the toppling of NIN’s nation-wide organization, our local affiliate retained the name of NIN because, as Kay put it, “it was becoming so well known.”
Our Volunteers
One thing that never changed was the commitment of our hardworking volunteers. Without their support and dedication, it’s no secret that we wouldn’t be where we are. Not only is this true today, but it’s been true since Neighbors In Need began in 1972. The following is a commemoration of not only our current volunteers, but the ones who have come and gone as well.
We are extremely grateful for the work they’ve all put in helping us help others.
Neighbors In Need in 2025
We distributed over 1.4 million pounds of food…
To feed over 12,000 unique individuals…
Additionally, we delivered 700+ food boxes to the doorsteps of clients that would not otherwise have access to food…
And provided 8,000+ ‘Backpack Bags’ to schools to distribute to children who wouldn’t otherwise have proper access to food over the weekends…
We also feed an average of 100+ homeless members of our community each month by providing bags of food that don’t require cooking, something not many food banks in our area do.
As the need increases, we are grateful to be able to help those in our community who need it most. Thank you for your past and continued support over the last 50 years!
You can take a look at our Food Bank Impact Study if you would like to learn even more about how our work benefits the Skagit Valley.
