The Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank celebrated its fifth anniversary on March 7 by planting a pear tree at Snoqualmie’s Sister Cities Park.

The food bank’s Vice President Nancy Jones, and Executive Director Heidi Dukich thanked the community for the support they had received for the first five years of operations. Jones said the support they receive allows them to serve about 300 families every week.

“We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the community, our outstanding staff and our great volunteers,” she said. “We hope someday we don’t need to have food banks, but until that day comes we will be there to reach out to our community, support our community, and with your continued help, we will be here for a very long time.”

Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson also thanked the food bank for the hard work they put into making the community a better place.

“On behalf of the residents, the City Council and city staff I extend a thanks for all that you’ve done and congratulate you on your fifth anniversary, we certainly look forward to working with you and supporting you in whatever way we can,” he said.

The idea to plant a pear tree came at at one of the board meetings, Jones said. The board was coming up with ideas on how to give back to the community for their fifth anniversary and tree planting was suggested. A pear tree was chosen as the pear is the logo for the Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank, and they wanted the tree to bear fruit as a representation of the service they provide the community.

The food bank is planning a similar tree planting event in the city of North Bend as well. Dukich said the organization plans to plant another tree in Si View Park later this month.