Virtual Line
Stanwood Camano Food Bank offers a web-based alternative to waiting in line for Food Bank services with our Virtual Line option! Customers may join the queue via their smartphones from anywhere, allowing more flexibility without compromising access. Number tickets are also distributed in-person at the Food Bank as an alternative option for customers without online access.
scfoodbank@scfbs.org | 360.629.2789
how it works
Join the Queue
Join the virtual queue from anywhere via your smartphone, beginning 1 hour before we open until close. Fill out the form to claim a spot in line and receive a confirmation text. Spaces are filled on a first come, first serve basis.
Receive "Ready" Text Message
30 minutes prior to your group's shopping time, you will receive a text message with a reminder to make your way to the Food Bank. You will be let into our waiting room approximately 30 minutes after receiving the text.
Arrive for Shopping
When your group's sign is posted at the front and side of the building, you may enter at the front door and have a seat in the waiting area. Please have your confirmation text ready for entry. Staff will then call you up to the desk to check in.
Virtual Queue Joining Hours:
- Wednesdays | 2:00pm - 6:45pm
- Fridays | 10:00am - 1:45pm
In-Person Queue Joining Hours:
- Wednesdays | 2:30pm - 7:00pm
- Fridays | 10:30am - 3:00pm
I'm shopping for myself and for someone else, do I need 2 numbers?
No, if you are the only one who will be coming to shop for 2 different households, you only need 1 number ticket. However, if you want to use two different shopping carts, you will need a number for each shopping cart you want to use – 1 cart will be given per number ticket.
I didn't receive a a text confirmation, what should I do?
If you didn’t receive a text confirmation, you can submit another entry in the virtual queue, or all the Food Bank at 360.629.2789 to confirm what group you are in.
Can I get a number on behalf of my friend or family member?
Yes, if you are joining the virtual queue you can get a number on someone else’s behalf. Just remember you will need a separate phone number for each person you enter into the virtual queue.
When should I arrive at the Food Bank after I join the virtual line?
You can arrive anytime during Food Distribution hours, but we recommend arriving within an hour of joining the queue, or before closing. You will also receive a text message 30 minutes prior to your group being served as an update on timeline.
Can I join the Virtual Queue and get a number in-person?
Please choose only one method for receiving a number. If you join both the Virtual Line and the in-person line, your place in line will be based on whichever method you joined first.
How long des it take to check-in and start shopping once I arrive?
Once your group enters the waiting area, it typically takes about 30 minutes to service everyone in the group. Customers are serviced in the order that they joined the queue.
What happens if I'm late and miss my group's service window?
If you miss your group’s service time, you will be served with the next available group. For example, if you are in Group 3, and we have moved on to serve Group 4, you will be serviced with Group 4. Expedited service is not available.