Complaints about the Washington County Food Bank have been circulating for several months. Allegations of spoiled food, not giving away food and gift cards and nepotism have been nagging Executive Director Connie Burd (pictured). Burd called a meeting with the local news media to defend the food bank against these allegations. In her meeting with reporters, Burd stated that it is her contention that these allegations are being levied because of recent efforts by the food bank to consolidate locations. Burd countered complaints about spoiled food by pointing out that once the food arrives at a pantry, it is not uncommon for those pantry volunteers to leave perishable items out in the open without proper refrigeration. Allegations of not distributing gift cards were defended with a list of what gift cards were given out by each pantry and to whom those gift cards were given. Burd pointed out that the individual making the complaint about not receiving a gift card actually was given one and a proxy for that person picked up the gift card designated for that person. Allegations of nepotism were met with a defense of Burd’s husband. Burd states that her husband worked as a volunteer for a year and a half before the board approved his hiring. Rumors circulated about Burd’s son working there but Burd stated that she does not even have a son. Burd also addressed the issue of recent pantry consolidations, saying they have been necessary because of volunteer attrition and the closing of spaces that once housed pantries. Burd added that even though clients may need to travel further to get their food, the quality control for refrigeration and the variety of food available in the larger locations will far outweigh any inconvenience