Sequim Gazette staff

John Owensby has driven the big, yellow food bank distribution truck thousands of miles back and forth across the peninsula delivering food to food banks and soup kitchens from Brinnon to Forks. The truck was used when OlyCAP bought it in the 1990s and still had the “Clallam Jefferson Community Action Council” name and logo on the side. Owensby was all smiles as he pulled up at the OlyCAP offices in a new Ford 20-foot van. 

“It drives like a Cadillac,” he said.

Residents get a look at the new OlyCAP truck. Submitted photo

The truck has been needed for a while. The old truck was in and out for repairs and presented a challenge to predict how long it might be willing to continue. As the only resource for delivery of food to some of the more remote areas on the peninsula, it was a lifeline that was stretched to breaking.

Funding for the truck was put together from many sources. American Resource and Recovery Act funds provided the bulk of support but there were major contributions from the Jefferson County Food Bank Association, United Good Neighbors and 7 Cedars Casino. The dealer, Bickford Ford of Snohomish, donated in support of the purchase as well.

You are sure to notice the new truck as it crisscrosses the peninsula. The distinctive wrap was designed by OlyCAP AmeriCorps volunteer Arnold Phommavong.

About OlyCAP  

OlyCAP is the peninsula’s largest nonprofit community services agency and one of 30 community action programs in Washington and about 1,000 throughout the country that are working together to build healthy communities by eliminating poverty and improving people’s lives. OlyCAP administers programs supporting families throughout Jefferson and Clallam counties including Meals on Wheels, Head Start and Early Childhood Education Assistance, Home Care services, the Encore! Adult Day Care Center in Port Angeles, home weatherization, and housing rehabilitation. OlyCAP also administers emergency services. OlyCAP is a partner agency of the United Way of Clallam County and United Good Neighbors of Jefferson County.