One in five kids in Washington state lives in a home that struggles to put food on the table. Local food banks work hard to meet the need to provide nutrition that’s vital for growing children, productive adults and healthy seniors.
It’s not easy. Food banks confront challenges such as serving a rising number of clients, offering nutritious food (not just instant noodles) and stretching donated dollars. The holiday season is especially tricky. Customary fare like turkey, ham and chicken are expensive. Many food banks and families are forced to go without.
You can make a difference. You can help your neighbors in need. Support your local food bank with donations of holiday meats, side dishes—stuffing mix, mashed potatoes, canned vegetables, cranberry sauce—or financial contributions to purchase what they need most. As a bonus, it’ll be just in time to count as a year-end tax-deductible donation.
Here are a few reputable organizations providing nourishing food across the Puget Sound. Don’t see your local food bank on the list? Call to ask what you can do.
Mason County – North Mason Food Bank. “Assisting our community, one family at a time.” northmasonfoodbank.org
Pierce County – FISH Food Banks of Pierce County. “Providing nutritious food to people in need with compassion, dignity and respect.” fishfoodbanks.org
Thurston County – Thurston County Food Bank. “Neighbors helping neighbors since 1972.” thurstoncountyfoodbank.org
South King County – White Center Food Bank. “Minimizing hunger while nourishing community, nurturing self-reliance and embracing rich cultural diversity.” whitecenterfoodbank.org
RESOURCES:
North Mason Food Bank
22471 State Route 3
Belfair, WA 98528
360.275.4615
northmasonfoodbank.org
FISH Food Banks of Pierce County
1702 S. 72nd St., Suite E
Tacoma, WA 98408
253.383.3164
fishfoodbanks.org
Thurston County Food Bank
220 Thurston Ave. NE
Olympia, WA 98501
360-352-8597
thurstoncountyfoodbank.org
White Center Food Bank
10829 Eighth Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98146
206-762-2848
whitecenterfoodbank.org
EMILY HAPPY