Why a Barrier-Free Food Bank Matters

The Port Angeles Food bank is a barrier free food bank. We don’t ask for ID, we don’t ask for proof of income, there’s no paperwork. If you need food, you get food. That’s it.

This approach is rooted in dignity, compassion, and efficiency. But we also know that some people wonder: 

How do you make sure resources aren’t abused? 

Is this sustainable? 

Why not add just a few requirements? 

Let’s talk about it.

Why Barrier-Free Matters

1. Hunger doesn’t wait for paperwork.
Families can find themselves in crisis overnight from anything from a job loss, an unexpected bill, or a medical emergency. Requiring forms or documentation delays access to something essential: food. 

By removing barriers, we ensure people get the help they need when they need it.

There are too many hoops to jump through and red tape when it comes to access to social support services. Too many organizations are forcing people to “prove they are poor enough” before they get help. That is not what we stand for.

2. Dignity comes first.
For many, walking through our doors is already an act of courage. Asking people to prove their poverty or tell their story to a stranger can add shame where there should be support. A barrier-free model says clearly: you are welcome here, no questions asked.

3. Efficiency saves time and money.
Every hour spent verifying income or collecting paperwork is an hour not spent getting food into the hands of our neighbors. By streamlining intake, we free staff and volunteers to focus on what matters most.

Addressing Common Concerns

“But won’t people take advantage?”
Our experience (and that of food banks across the country) shows otherwise. Most people come because they genuinely need help. Abuse of the system is rare. And frankly, we just don’t believe someone would come to the food bank if they didn’t need it. If you’re in a position where you need free food, you deserve access. 

We are much more worried about the people who NEED us and don’t come because of fear, shame, and stigma. 

“Is this sustainable?”
Yes, because barrier-free does not mean resource-free. We carefully track food distribution, diversify our funding through grants, community partnerships, and donations, and invest in infrastructure like solar energy to lower operating costs. Sustainability is built into everything we do.

“Does this encourage dependency?”
Food banks don’t create poverty. We respond to it. Many of our visitors use us temporarily—while between jobs, during a tough season, or after a crisis. Others need longer support due to fixed incomes or medical challenges. In both cases, we’re proud to walk alongside them without judgment.

We like to think of ourselves as radical enablers. You want to say we enable people? Okay then. We’ll embrace that. We enable people to be able to afford their electric bill. We enable them to buy their kids new shoes for school. We enable people to relax a little, knowing that their paycheck can stretch just a bit further.

A Community Effort

Our barrier-free approach only works because of the community standing behind it. Every volunteer, donor, and partner is part of a larger commitment: that in Clallam County, no one should have to go hungry because they can’t fill out the right form or prove they’re struggling.

By reducing barriers, we build trust, extend compassion, and create a food system where everyone belongs.

Because at the end of the day, our mission is simple: To nourish our community. If you are hungry, you can eat.