Retired banker transforms Cheney Cupboard

CHENEY – Cheney Cupboard, a food distribution center located at 624 3rd Street, is dedicated to combating food insecurity in the community by providing essential nourishment to those in need.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Duane Isaac, the center has seen significant transformations and growth in the last two years.

Isaac, a former branch manager at Inspirus Credit Union, and previously Spokane Teacher's Credit Union (STCU) in Cheney, never imagined he would find himself running a food bank. After a robust 20-year career in banking, including managing Wheatland Bank before its acquisition by STCU in 2003, Isaac retired but felt compelled to give back to his community.

"I didn't know what should do to give back," Isaac shared. "So, I did the only thing I knew and that was pray about it." His prayers were answered when the need for a food bank director in Cheney became apparent, and his name repeatedly came up as the ideal candidate. After careful consideration and encouragement from Cheney Mayor Chris Grover, Isaac accepted the position.

Drawing from his experience in the grocery industry from his younger days, Isaac assessed the existing operations of the food bank. "They were giving customers bags of food once a month, any kind of food," he explained. "People would eat what they could, but some of it didn't go with their dietary needs, so they threw them away. That also left us with 68 cases of canned peas."

Isaac observed that when he started, the food bank served 25 families, leading to significant food waste due to short shelf lives and lack of organization. To address these issues, he visited other food banks in Washington to learn best practices and gathered feedback from local patrons about their food preferences.

With new insights, Isaac upgraded the facility with commercial shelving, refrigeration units, and proper display techniques, aided by volunteers from the Valley National Guard and Yoke's Fresh Market. Yoke's, along with Safeway, Maverik, and Mitchell's, now supplies Cheney Cupboard with four to five thousand pounds of food per month through the Feeding America program.

"We had a very short time to switch to the new way of showcasing food," Isaac said. "We didn't want to stop the food bank's operation because people need food." The changes quickly attracted more families, who now appreciate the ability to select their groceries with shopping carts.

Isaac emphasized the importance of making visitors feel special. "We sing happy birthday to those celebrating and find something special to give them, like lobster tails if we have it," he said.

Earlier this year, Isaac successfully renamed the food bank to Cheney Cupboard and spearheaded a charity fundraiser for the Winning Hands, Ending Hunger Charity Poker Tournament.

"When we started out, we were feeding 25 families a week. Today, we distribute to over 100 families a week," Isaac explained. "I know there are a lot more out there and would love to see them come in." He noted that approximately 30 percent of Cheney residents are in need, and the food bank aims to reach as many as possible.

Cheney Cupboard is open on Mondays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., distributing food to local residents facing hunger.