Power producer: Longtime leader of Martha’s Pantry expands its services to help anyone in need

Vicki Smith, the longtime executive director of Martha’s Pantry, gives a tour of the facility on a recent morning. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Prepared foods donated by Safeway sit in a cooler at Martha’s Pantry. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Volunteers George Lee, left, and Robin Hixson load prepared Thanksgiving meals into a freezer at Martha’s Pantry. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Michele’s Closet is a clothing-giveaway project begun by a client and volunteer at Martha’s Pantry who died a few years ago. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Vicki Smith, left, and her wife, Jeanie Harman, have worked together at Martha’s Pantry for decades. “I’m the head. I get the paperwork done,” said Smith. “Jeanie is the heart. She gives out the hugs.” (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Volunteers meet before clients start showing up at Martha’s Pantry on a recent Tuesday morning. Martha’s Pantry is entirely volunteer run, Vicki Smith said, and nobody gets paid. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Martha’s Pantry client Alejandro Navarro, center, goes browsing on a recent Tuesday morning, accompanied by volunteer Ron Shoals. Taylor Balkom/The Columbian

Canned goods sit on a shelf at Martha’s Pantry. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)