WHO WE ARE

Central Kitsap Food Bank (CKFB) is dedicated to reducing hunger and supporting well-being across Kitsap County. As food insecurity continues to rise due to high living costs, underemployment, and lingering effects of the pandemic, CKFB has seen a 40% increase in demand. We serve thousands of individuals and families each year — including children, seniors, and working adults — providing access to nutritious food and essential items with dignity. Our mission is to help our neighbors regain stability and move toward self-sufficiency in the face of ongoing challenges.

CKFB OUTPUT DATA: OUTCOME IS IMPROVING FOOD SECURITY IN OUR COMMUNITY 

• Last year, CKFB put 83,334 ,meals on our neighbor’s tables.
• For every $25 donated, CKFB feeds a family of four 2 meals each for one day.

Photo of Director outside of the building hands in the air
Photo of Director outside of the building hands in the air

WHO WE ARE

Central Kitsap Food Bank (CKFB) is dedicated to reducing hunger and supporting well-being across Kitsap County. As food insecurity continues to rise due to high living costs, underemployment, and lingering effects of the pandemic, CKFB has seen a 40% increase in demand. We serve thousands of individuals and families each year — including children, seniors, and working adults — providing access to nutritious food and essential items with dignity. Our mission is to help our neighbors regain stability and move toward self-sufficiency in the face of ongoing challenges.

CKFB OUTPUT DATA: OUTCOME IS IMPROVING FOOD SECURITY IN OUR COMMUNITY 

• Last year, CKFB put 83,334 ,meals on our neighbor’s tables.
• For every $25 donated, CKFB feeds a family of four 2 meals each for one day.
In 2024, CK Food Bank’s volunteer core of 199 people donated 12,586 hours equating to 6 full time employees and saving our organization $235,862 in wage

• Last year, CKFB put 83,334 ,meals on our neighbor’s tables.
• For every $25 donated, CKFB feeds a family of four 2 meals each for one day.
In 2024, CK Food Bank’s volunteer core of 199 people donated 12,586 hours equating to 6 full time employees and saving our organization $235,862 in wage

Photo of Director outside of the building hands in the air

MISSION

Central Kitsap Food Bank provides food and community resource information at no cost in a caring and respectful manner to people in need while preserving the dignity of those we serve.

CORE VALUES

 
Respectful and Compassionate
Welcoming and Approachable
Community-minded

VISION

 
Leading the way to a Nourished and Empowered Western Washington
Central Kitsap Food Bank strives to create a thriving, hunger-free community where everyone has access to nutritious food through sustainable practices, strong partnerships and empowered, local engagement.
 
Together, we envision a future where our food bank is a beacon of hope, resilience and community support, providing food and resource information to encourage individuals to break the cycle of food insecurity.

CORE VALUES

 
Respectful and Compassionate
Welcoming and Approachable
Community-minded

MISSION

Central Kitsap Food Bank provides food and community resource information at no cost in a caring and respectful manner to people in need while preserving the dignity of those we serve.

CORE VALUES

Respectful and Compassionate

Welcoming and Approachable

Community-minded

VISION

Leading the way to a Nourished and Empowered Western Washington
 
Central Kitsap Food Bank strives to create a thriving, hunger-free community where everyone has access to nutritious food through sustainable practices, strong partnerships and empowered, local engagement.
 
Together, we envision a future where our food bank is a beacon of hope, resilience and community support, providing food and resource information to encourage individuals to break the cycle of food insecurity.

CKFB MEASURES SERVICE REACH

In 2024, we served 12,131 families — 34,883 individuals — with food and essentials across Kitsap County. Of those served, 31% were children, 46% adults, and 23% seniors, including 767 seniors in 65 housing units through our CSFP delivery program.

We distributed over 1.17 million pounds of food, also supporting 3 other food banks and 4 hot meal programs, helping an additional 9,000 people while reducing food waste. Our partnerships with businesses like Costco, Safeway, and Albertsons provide critical in-kind donations.

Volunteer support is vital: 199 volunteers contributed 12,586 hours in 2024 — a value of $235,862. Their input has helped us identify growing needs among the underemployed, prompting us to consider more flexible service hours.

Our community engagement includes collaboration with the Greater Kitsap Chamber, Greendrinks, United Way, and 18 business sponsors who raised over $35,000. Together, we are building a stronger, more food-secure Kitsap.

CKFB MEASURES SERVICE REACH

In 2024, we served 12,131 families — 34,883 individuals — with food and essentials across Kitsap County. Of those served, 31% were children, 46% adults, and 23% seniors, including 767 seniors in 65 housing units through our CSFP delivery program.

We distributed over 1.17 million pounds of food, also supporting 3 other food banks and 4 hot meal programs, helping an additional 9,000 people while reducing food waste. Our partnerships with businesses like Costco, Safeway, and Albertsons provide critical in-kind donations.

Volunteer support is vital: 199 volunteers contributed 12,586 hours in 2024 — a value of $235,862. Their input has helped us identify growing needs among the underemployed, prompting us to consider more flexible service hours.

Our community engagement includes collaboration with the Greater Kitsap Chamber, Greendrinks, United Way, and 18 business sponsors who raised over $35,000. Together, we are building a stronger, more food-secure Kitsap.

MEET OUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Katrina

Katrina

Board President
I am currently the General Manager of Kitsap Tennis and Athletic Center. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. I worked for the YMCA in Bremerton for 18 years before this. My passion is working and supporting the Non-Profit world. 
Brian

Brian

Board Vice-President
Brian serves as a Program Manager and Lean Process Improvement innovator in Kitsap County. He has lived in Silverdale since 2006 with his wife Shannon and their three children—Zach, Austin, and Bailey, all graduates of CK High School. After retiring from the U.S. Navy in 2020, Brian and his family chose to stay in the community they’ve grown to love. He enjoys hiking, board games, homebrewing, and traveling. As a member of the CK Food Bank board, Brian is passionate about addressing food insecurity—something his family has experienced firsthand—and is committed to helping ensure no one in the community goes without a meal.
Brooke

Brooke

Board Secretary
I’m a local Realtor and Executive Board Member passionate about supporting the Kitsap community. With a heart for service and a mind for strategy, I’m proud to help advance the CK Food Bank’s mission of ensuring food access for all.
Jessica

Jessica

Executive Committee
She thrives on building strong community relationships, a passion she brings to life through her role as a Branch Manager. A Bremerton resident, she lives with her husband and son—and secretly harbors a love for event planning, which she enjoys for the way it brings people together in meaningful ways. She is deeply committed to supporting the CK Food Bank, driven by the belief that no one should ever have to wonder where their next meal will come from. Through her involvement, she works to break the stigma surrounding food bank usage and foster a culture rooted in compassion and support.
Jacob

Jacob

Board Treasurer
I am dedicated to fostering community development and assisting others, reflecting my commitment to service. Professionally, I am a Bank Manager with nearly a decade of experience, leveraging my skills to support our organization's financial well-being. I reside in Bremerton with my partner and our dog, Zelda. I firmly believe that access to nutritious meals is a fundamental right for all community members.

MEET OUR STAFF

Chris

Chris

Executive Director
The Executive Director Chris Benson leads with vision, compassion and unwavering dedication to fighting hunger in our community. With a focus on strategic growth, community partnerships, and sustainable food access, he guides every aspect of the food banks mission. From overseeing daily operations to advocating for those in need, the ED ensures that our programs remain client-centered and community driven. His leadership supports a committed team of staff and volunteers, fosters strong relationships with donors and partners, and champions innovation in hunger relief. At the heart of his work is a deep belief in dignity, equity, and the power of people helping people.
Merle

Merle

Warehouse Manager
With nearly 15 years of dedication, our warehouse manager is the longest-serving member of our team. She oversees every aspect of warehouse operations, ensuring that all food coming into the food bank is properly received, stored, and distributed efficiently to our community as well as our partner organizations.  Her deep knowledge and steady leadership keep things running smoothly. She takes pride in maintaining high standards of organization and food safety, and her commitment is rooted in a genuine passion for feeding people and serving her community.  Her years of service reflect not just experience, but a heart for the mission and the people we serve every day.
Sarah

Sarah

Food Bank Manager
As the Food Bank Manager since 2013, she has been deeply dedicated to the mission of fighting hunger—a cause that is both personal and close to her heart. She oversees daily operations to ensure that every individual who walks through the doors is treated with respect and support. Her responsibilities include coordinating volunteers and managing both the front office and grocery floor, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for clients and staff alike. For her, this work is more than just a job—it’s a heartfelt mission to serve the community with dignity and compassion.

MEET OUR DIRECTORS

Katrina

Katrina

Board President
I am currently the General Manager of Kitsap Tennis and Athletic Center. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. I worked for the YMCA in Bremerton for 18 years before this. My passion is working and supporting the Non-Profit world. 
Brooke Pisani

Brooke Pisani

Board Secretary
I’m a local Realtor and Executive Board Member passionate about supporting the Kitsap community. With a heart for service and a mind for strategy, I’m proud to help advance the CK Food Bank’s mission of ensuring food access for all.
Brian

Brian

Board Vice-President
Brian serves as a Program Manager and Lean Process Improvement innovator in Kitsap County. He has lived in Silverdale since 2006 with his wife Shannon and their three children—Zach, Austin, and Bailey, all graduates of CK High School. After retiring from the U.S. Navy in 2020, Brian and his family chose to stay in the community they’ve grown to love. He enjoys hiking, board games, homebrewing, and traveling. As a member of the CK Food Bank board, Brian is passionate about addressing food insecurity—something his family has experienced firsthand—and is committed to helping ensure no one in the community goes without a meal.
Jacob

Jacob

Board Treasurer
I am dedicated to fostering community development and assisting others, reflecting my commitment to service. Professionally, I am a Bank Manager with nearly a decade of experience, leveraging my skills to support our organization's financial well-being. I reside in Bremerton with my partner and our dog, Zelda. I firmly believe that access to nutritious meals is a fundamental right for all community members.
Jessica

Jessica

executive committee
I thrive on fostering strong community relationships, and my day job as a Branch Manager allows me to do just that! I currently reside in Bremerton with my husband and my son and my secret passion is event planning (don’t tell anyone!). I love it because it allows me to bring people together in meaningful ways. I am deeply committed to supporting the CK Food Bank, because I believe that no one should ever question where their next meal is coming from. Through these efforts, I aim to squash the stigma surrounding food bank usage and promote a culture of compassion and support.

MEET OUR STAFF

Chris Benson

Chris Benson

Executive Director
The Executive Director Chris Benson leads with vision, compassion and unwavering dedication to fighting hunger in our community. With a focus on strategic growth, community partnerships, and sustainable food access, he guides every aspect of the food banks mission. From overseeing daily operations to advocating for those in need, the ED ensures that our programs remain client-centered and community driven. His leadership supports a committed team of staff and volunteers, fosters strong relationships with donors and partners, and champions innovation in hunger relief. At the heart of his work is a deep belief in dignity, equity, and the power of people helping people.
Merle

Merle

Warehouse Manager
With nearly 15 years of dedication, our warehouse manager is the longest-serving member of our team. She oversees every aspect of warehouse operations, ensuring that all food coming into the food bank is properly received, stored, and distributed efficiently to our community as well as our partner organizations.  Her deep knowledge and steady leadership keep things running smoothly. She takes pride in maintaining high standards of organization and food safety, and her commitment is rooted in a genuine passion for feeding people and serving her community.  Her years of service reflect not just experience, but a heart for the mission and the people we serve every day.
Sarah Williams

Sarah Williams

Food Bank Manager
As Food Bank manager, I have been dedicated to the mission of fighting hunger since 2013 – a calling that’s deeply personal and close to my heart. I oversee daily operations to ensure that every individual who walks through our doors is met with respect and support. My responsibilities include maintaining volunteer coordination, as well as managing the front office and grocery floor to ensure everything runs smoothly for clients and staff alike. This work is more than a job to me, it’s a mission to serve my community with dignity and compassion.

BASIC CKFB OUTCOMES

1. Having nutritious meals on the dining tables of CKFB’s clients every day in a way that instills dignity to increase food security in Kitsap County.

2. Improve knowledge of other community resources available to improve the lives of CKFB clients.

3. Increase food insecurity awareness in Kitsap County.

LONG TERM CKFB OUTCOMES

1. Increase the health and well-being of low-income families and individuals in need so they may live and work in Kitsap County.

2. Alleviate families from sending hungry children to school every day (increasing concentration, focus, academic performance and social-emotional skill building in the classroom).

3. Increasing awareness of food insecurity in Kitsap community allows CKFB programs to be completely supported by local business sponsorships, grants, partnerships, and individual donations, tightening community relationships.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Food insecurity can affect anyone. Nationwide, 1 in 8 adults struggles to afford enough food. In October 2023 alone, nearly 28 million Americans reported not having enough to eat.

In Kitsap County, nearly 30,000 residents faced food hardship in 2023. Rising living costs, low wages, unemployment, and systemic barriers like racism and discrimination all contribute to the issue. Children here are especially impacted—14.8% face food insecurity, a rate higher than the national average. The consequences include poor health, lower academic performance, and increased anxiety and depression. Three out of four educators report teaching students who regularly come to school hungry.

Since the pandemic, demand for food assistance in Kitsap County has surged—CKFB has seen a 40% increase in need, with over 50% more service provided since COVID-19 began. The end of emergency food benefits in 2023, rising population (including 5,000 new residents from the USS Ronald Reagan), and persistent poverty mean we are now serving not just the unemployed, but the underemployed—families who are working yet still can’t make ends meet.

CKFB is here to meet this growing need—offering nutritious food, personal care items, and compassionate support to help individuals and families regain stability and dignity.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Food insecurity can affect anyone. Nationwide, 1 in 8 adults struggles to afford enough food. In October 2023 alone, nearly 28 million Americans reported not having enough to eat.

In Kitsap County, nearly 30,000 residents faced food hardship in 2023. Rising living costs, low wages, unemployment, and systemic barriers like racism and discrimination all contribute to the issue. Children here are especially impacted—14.8% face food insecurity, a rate higher than the national average. The consequences include poor health, lower academic performance, and increased anxiety and depression. Three out of four educators report teaching students who regularly come to school hungry.

Since the pandemic, demand for food assistance in Kitsap County has surged—CKFB has seen a 40% increase in need, with over 50% more service provided since COVID-19 began. The end of emergency food benefits in 2023, rising population (including 5,000 new residents from the USS Ronald Reagan), and persistent poverty mean we are now serving not just the unemployed, but the underemployed—families who are working yet still can’t make ends meet.

CKFB is here to meet this growing need—offering nutritious food, personal care items, and compassionate support to help individuals and families regain stability and dignity.

CURBSIDE PICKUP

We offer curbside pickup for existing customers who prefer a more convenient way to receive their groceries. This service is especially helpful for those with mobility challenges, health concerns, or tight schedules—no need to leave your car, we’ll bring your groceries right to you.

To use curbside pickup, you MUST call ahead to schedule by 9:00–9:30 AM on the day you plan to come in. Once scheduled, just pull into the parking lot and give us a call—we’ll take care of the rest.

In some cases, online grocery ordering may be available, depending on staff and volunteer capacity. This option is evaluated on a base-by-base basis and may be paused or cancelled at any time. If approved, orders must be placed by 10:00 PM the night before pickup. Please speak with staff before placing your order and again prior to pickup to confirm that your order is ready.

Central Kitsap Food Bank does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

© CENTRAL KITSAP FOOD BANK | A 501(C) 3 NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION FEDERAL TAX ID: 91-1425531 | UNITED WAY OF KITSAP COUNTY COMMUNITY AGENCY CFC #48221 | PRIVACY POLICY
© CENTRAL KITSAP FOOD BANK | A 501(C) 3 NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION FEDERAL TAX ID: 91-1425531 | UNITED WAY OF KITSAP COUNTY COMMUNITY AGENCY CFC #48221 | PRIVACY POLICY
© CENTRAL KITSAP FOOD BANK | A 501(C) 3 NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION FEDERAL TAX ID: 91-1425531 | UNITED WAY OF KITSAP COUNTY COMMUNITY AGENCY CFC #48221 | PRIVACY POLICY