BAYVIEW — A trickle from the federal stimulus package is likely to find its way to Good Cheer Food Bank, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen said during a visit to the facility on Wednesday.

Larsen said the $150 million in the package to help food banks and similar programs nationwide will include more money for the federal Emergency Food Assistance Program.

Last year, Good Cheer received a little more than $12,000 from the program. That amount is likely to increase this year, thanks to an infusion of stimulus money, Larsen said.

The congressman also said $20 billion is included in the measure to combat hunger nationwide until the recession ends and the economy recovers.

“Every little bit helps,” said Kathy McLaughlin, the food bank’s executive director. “We’re grateful to be getting something.”

She said Good Cheer spent more than $200,000 on food last year, most from donations and from sales from its thrift stores.

“We couldn’t do what we do if we were a government program,” McLaughlin said. “We have to be a community program.”

Larsen, D-Everett, represents the 2nd Congressional District, which includes Whidbey Island. He toured the food bank as part of a series of stops in the district this week to update local officials and organizations about the stimulus program.

Congress passed the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act last Friday, and President Obama signed it into law Tuesday.

McLaughlin said the nonprofit’s current focus is to raise enough money for a planned remodeling of the Langley thrift store. She said Good Cheer hopes to raise the remaining $300,000 for the project by the end of the year.

“We feel confident were going to be able to do it,” McLaughlin said.

Good Cheer plans to install an elevator and remodel the second level of the Langley building for use as additional retail space.

McLaughlin said the upside of the economic downturn is that it has created a good climate for thrift stores. She said sales and donations at Good Cheer’s two stores were up in January.

She said Good Cheer also hopes to realize $3,000 to $4,000 a year in fresh fruits and vegetables once its community garden project is in place. A volunteer-driven garden is being constructed in front of the charity’s headquarters near Bayview Corner.

McLaughlin said the hope is community members will be inspired to “grow a row” at home for Good Cheer.

“Like the Victory Gardens,” Larsen said, referring to a World War II program in which households grew fruits and vegetables to aid the war effort at home.

“Exactly,” McLaughlin said.

In 2008, Good Cheer assisted more than 4,000 people, an increase of about 1,200 from the year before. Nearly 757 families were helped in December alone, McLaughlin said.

She said 729 families were assisted in January, and she expects about the same number this month.

Good Cheer, the only food bank on South Whidbey, serves a population of nearly 15,000 from Greenbank to Clinton. Besides the food bank, it operates an item receiving and distribution workshop, two general thrift stores and a clothing boutique thrift store.

The nonprofit charity is run by a staff of 14 and nearly 300 volunteers. It is overseen by a 15-member elected board of directors who hold office for three years.

McLaughlin said she appreciates Larsen staying in touch and welcomes his support and any money he can direct Good Cheer’s way.

“But we’re still going to have to raise more money as long as the economy is bad,” she said.