For the Reporter

On a recent sunny Sunday afternoon, a line of people forms on the Auburn Skate Connection parking lot.

Dozens of people are waiting for food distribution from the Fountain Of Life Foundation (FOL), a nonprofit organization based in Auburn. The group has been giving out free fresh groceries to families for the past two years, alternating its events between Auburn and Federal Way each month.

Participating folks can choose from a variety of food items – bread, milk, eggs, meat, fresh produce, canned and dried products, and cereals – according to their needs, based on the number of people in the family.

About a dozen smiling volunteers of all ages line up under canopies, to give out quality food.

“All the food items were bought this morning at the market. They are fresh,” said Ken Shou, a member of FOL board. He is busy putting gallons of milk on the table. No old, outdated, stale, or bargain products are allowed.

The atmosphere is good. A lot of greetings, smiles and hugs. There are several volunteers at the end of the line, including a couple of pastors who pray for the families.

“Every month we serve over 450 people from 100 families,” said Paul Eun, CEO of FOL. “We are open to everyone. … You need to register so that we can figure out how much grocery shopping we have to do for that day. We don’t keep food in the pantry.”

Most of the people in waiting line are pre-registered this way. There are about half a dozen families who did not register, but they end up getting their share by waiting at the end of the line.

“They are such a blessing to me and my family,” a lady carrying two bags of grocery said. “I come here every time. I brought my aunt’s family today.”

The process takes about an hour.

“We are pretty efficient from two years of experience. We don’t want folks to wait too long in the line,” said Steve Kim, a volunteer and board member of FOL.

FOL recently started a school in Uganda to equip people to take care of themselves. It is a big project.

“But this grocery distribution in our neighborhood is the first activity we started as an organization. We will always be here,” Eun said.

FOL’s door is open for those who want to volunteer. Cash donations are always needed. Grocery vendors are welcome to donate their products.

To register for next month’s distribution, visit www.folfoundation.com or call 253-394-6372.

The parking lots of Auburn Skate Connection, 1825 Howard Road, and Rite Aid, 2131 SW 336th St., Federal Way, are distribution sites.