photo by: Ashley Golledge

Just Food, pictured on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, recently renovated its building at 1000 E. 11th St.

Just Food has raised about $7,000 of the $25,000 it needs to replace a pickup that was stolen and ruined late last month.

Ryan Bowersox, outreach director for Just Food, said that as of Monday morning a fund drive for a replacement pickup had raised $6,694. Those wishing to donate can visit Just Food’s Facebook page or its website at justfoodks.org.

The stolen 1992 Dodge pickup was recovered and returned to Just Food, but it is not longer in running condition, she said. The cost of fixing the damage, which includes a ruined starter, two broken windows, a damaged driver’s seat and broken mirror, exceeds the truck’s value.

Just Food was aware that the nearly 30-year-old pickup with no air conditioning would have to be replaced at some point but had not yet scheduled a fund drive for that purpose, Bowersox said.

“We would much rather be raising money for food than for a new pickup right now,” Bowersox said.

Despite its age, the pickup was central to Just Food’s day-to-day operations. It was used for food deliveries; was loaned out to farmers who help supply Just Food; was used to pick up vegetables from local growers; and much more. With the truck out of service, Just Food is using its vans and box truck as temporary replacements, she said.

Just Food would like to replace the truck as soon as possible, but will take time to explore options and get feedback from those who will use the new truck, Bowersox said.

The pickup was stolen from Just Food’s lot May 28 and recovered when it was spotted the next day at a Leavenworth drive-thru restaurant when someone recognized it, Bowersox said.

“There’s been an influx of thefts of older pickups,” she said. “They’re easier to hotwire in some way. We had more than 400 people repost our post on Facebook. That’s how it was recovered. Someone at the restaurant recognized the pickup from Facebook.”