There was a line of people waiting for food Monday at the Interfaith Food Bank. Three volunteers worked efficiently, signing in people and filling boxes with eggs, butter, rice and other staples.

Nearly 20 orders were filled in the single hour the food bank was open.

It was a fairly typical Monday, volunteers said.

The Interfaith Food Bank is open from noon to 1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, serving more than 3,500 clients a year. Now, the food bank’s 24 volunteers are preparing to distribute holiday baskets.

More than 200 people al–ready have signed up for a Thanksgiving basket. Volunteers will start setting up at 8:30 a.m. Monday to distribute baskets Nov. 22.

All a person needs to get a basket is his or her signature. There are no income requirements.

There are no requirements for those in need of food at other times, either. Residents can pick up a box of food three times a year along with holiday baskets.

The deadline to request a Christmas basket is Dec. 2. Applications are available at the food bank, inside the Shadow Mountain Clubhouse, 1055 Moffat County Road 7, and at the Moffat County Department of Social Services, 595 Breeze St.

All the food necessary to make a holiday meal is included — though residents will get chicken instead of turkey. The organization distributed 239 Christmas baskets last year.

‘It goes pretty fast’

Volunteer Roxanna Webb said the food bank’s shelves are well-stocked now, after food drives at various schools.

“It goes pretty fast though,” Webb said.

Food donations should in–crease again after the radio station KRAI Holiday Drive, on Dec. 7 and 8.

It’s difficult, though, in the summer, Webb said. Although need remains, donations are less.

Food Bank President Judy Proctor said there’s no month at the food bank that stands out as busier than others.

“We’re busy all year long,” she said.

The food bank always accepts donations of nonperishable food and cash.

The Moffat County United Way contributed $16,000 to the food bank in 2005.

“For actual dollars, we’re their major funding source,” United Way Director Corrie Scott said. “Other than that, they exist on contributions from schools, the media drive and other food drives.

“They do a good job,” Scott said. “I feel very privileged to work with them.”

Christina M. Currie can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 210, or ccurrie@craigdailypress.com.