We all have those moments in the produce section, or at the farmers market, when we are surrounded by amazing colors, smells and choices. What should I buy, is it nutritious, what does my family want this week and what could I do with that unusual food that I have avoided buying for weeks?

Not everyone faces these decisions, but Hopelink, working with partners in the Snoqualmie Valley, is doing all it can to provide access to healthy food for everyone.

In 2013, 53,734 pounds of produce was donated to Hopelink by the Sno-Valley Harvest program, which on average equates to 107,500 servings of fresh, healthy produce distributed to those who may not have the means to include fresh food in their diet. More than 30 varieties of vegetables are donated, and some of them are unusual; this presents an interesting challenge to those working in the program.

Marlene Lambert has been coordinating the program since December and is thrilled by the challenges, and by the enthusiasm of the volunteers who make it all possible.

“I hear so many great stories,” Lambert explained. “One such story, fresh in my mind, involves a food bank client who recently added kale to her diet after being introduced to it through our services. In order to get even more clients willing to try unfamiliar items, we are introducing food profiles that our volunteers create. These outline nutritional data, preparation and storage information, as well as recipes. Because of these profiles, our clients are more willing to try unfamiliar items, such as kale or kohlrabi.”

Sno-Valley Harvest began in 2011 as a partnership between Hopelink, Rotary First Harvest and AmeriCorps Vista. The program brought together an incredible array of volunteers and donors who remain galvanized by the mission of providing access to healthy food to everyone.

More than 20 farms support this program, and more than half of these allow volunteers to gather food not collected during the main harvest and distribute it to Hopelink food banks. Additional food is collected at farmers markets, through individual donations, and from a community garden in Carnation.

“It is so incredible when it all comes together for such a good cause,” noted Lambert. “We have so much support from farmers and volunteers. They grow, harvest, collect and deliver fresh produce to the food banks, and are rewarded when they see clients standing amid a rich array of produce choosing healthy food for their families, much like everyone else does on a weekly basis.”

The Sno-Valley Harvest program is always looking to recruit new volunteers to help with every stage of the process. You can become involved by visiting www.hope-link.org/take_action/volunteer, and indicating your interest in Sno-Valley Harvest. If you would like to donate food, contact Lambert at mlambert@hope-link.org.