The Nehalem Bay Health District and the North County Food Bank are pleased to announce that the two organizations have reached an agreement that will provide the Food Bank with food storage and distribution facilities in the soon-to-be-vacated Nehalem Bay Health Center and Pharmacy (the former Rinehart Clinic) in Wheeler.
The current Health Center facility will be vacant on or about October 8, 2025 while the Health Center staff and services relocate to the new Health Center in Wheeler.
Under the agreement with the Health District, the Food Bank will lease a portion of the vacated building for up to nine months while modifications are made to a Food Bank property behind the Hope Chest Thrift Shop that is located between Nehalem and Manzanita on U.S. Highway 101. The Food Bank has been working to prepare the new location for some time.
The new temporary location of the Food Bank will ensure that weekly food distribution will be minimally impacted, while work on the new Food Bank location continues. NCFB plans to be on its own property in approximately 9 months, and will keep our community aware of our progress.
The Health District expects to begin environmental remediation work on the old Wheeler hospital later this year. The work, including removal of hazardous materials in the 70-year-old building, cannot be done while the building is occupied. The Food Bank has occupied space in the lower level of the old hospital for many years.
The Health District shares with the Food Bank not only a long history of collaboration but a strong commitment to addressing food security in our community.
“The District appreciates and supports the Food Bank mission,” said Health District president Marc Johnson, “and we certainly appreciate their understanding that the condition of the old hospital has become increasingly problematic and expensive as a location for a vital community service.”
“The North County Food Bank Board, given a number of options for a temporary location, feels that continuing our partnership with NBHD and leasing the space offered in the old Rinehart Clinic building is the best way for NCFB to continue serving our community and neighbors,” said Jackie McCrady, NCFB Board President. “We hope to remain open without interruption to food distribution during our move in October.”
“The food bank sincerely appreciates everyone who helped make this happen, including Nehalem Bay Health District, Nehalem Bay Community Services, and members of our community,” added McCrady.
A formal agreement is expected to be completed soon.
