Renewal Food Bank in Bellevue has felt the effects of the dwindling economy. The food bank, part of the Northwest Harvest Hunger Relief Network and a partner agency of Food Lifeline, served roughly 2,800 people during the month of September.

That’s already an increase over the 2,600 people the food bank serves in an average month and some in the organization fear the winter months will push the number higher.

Quickly stepping into help was Idaho farm owner Louie Davenport of L.M Davenport, Inc., who delivered 10,000 pounds of food to the organization. Davenport, whose daughter attends Bellevue Foursquare Church, which is located at the same place as the food bank, heard of the need and was quick to act. A strong believer in giving back, Davenport often travels down to Mexico to bring food to the orphanages.

“There are 35,000 children in the world who die everyday from the effects of malnutrition or preventable disease,” Davenport said. “We have got to get going. It’s serious stuff and we should each do our part to make a difference. This is what I can do – so I’m doing it.”

Together, food bank Director Rich Bowen and volunteers including brothers, Israel and Isai Talamantes and Valentine Markevitch helped to unload 5,000 pounds each of rice and beans. With 200 bags to transfer from the big rig to the inside of the food bank, the volunteers were sweating and tired by the end, but remained in good spirits and bright smiles.

Each 50 pound bag will be divided into individual portions of approximately a cup and a half for clients. According to Bowen, Davenport’s generous donation will feed a significant number of families in the Bellevue area.

“The number of people who need to use our services have gone up dramatically,” Bowen explained. “It breaks my heart.”

A group of 75 volunteers from Microsoft are scheduled to arrive on Thursday, Nov. 20 to separate the bags of beans and rice into individual portions.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at llarin@reporternewspapers.com or 425-453-4602.