Puyallup Food Bank Faces Urgent Need for Donations as Local Demand Soars
PUYALLUP, Wash. — The Puyallup Food Bank is sounding the alarm, as their shelves are alarmingly bare just as demand reaches unprecedented heights. With the community’s growing needs amidst rising costs of living, now more than ever, the food bank is urging individuals and organizations to step up and contribute.
Supply Struggles: A Critical Situation
Reports from CEO Shawn Manley reveal a concerning shortage in supplies, with the food bank’s stock hitting an all-time low. Traditionally, the organization enjoys a steady stream of donations throughout the winter holiday season, but it faces a challenging off-peak period now. This has prompted the staff to reach out for support beyond their annual food drive associated with the Washington State Fair.
"We don’t want to see anybody go hungry," Manley emphasized in an interview with KOMO News. The struggle is real—what was once a steady assistance to 12 families daily has surged to approximately 60 families, necessitating the distribution of about 5,000 pounds of food every day.
A Community in Need
Puyallup Food Bank’s mission transcends mere food distribution; it’s about creating a welcoming community. Volunteers like Big Dave strive to ensure that patrons feel validated during their time of need. "It’s about love and enjoying people," shared David Sattler, a dedicated volunteer.
With requests for non-perishable food skyrocketing, the food bank is struggling to keep up. Items like canned beans, fruits, soups, pasta, and rice are in critically short supply. As Manley noted, their essential partnerships with wholesalers and retailers are also dwindling, further impacting the volume of available resources.
The Heart of Giving: How You Can Help
The Puyallup Food Bank has set an ambitious goal of collecting 10,000 pounds of food during their rainy donation drive. Each contribution, whether food or monetary, plays a vital role in sustaining families facing hunger. For context, a donation of just $20 can provide 100 meals to those in desperate need.
To get involved and make a difference, you can donate non-perishable items or monetary contributions. The Puyallup Food Bank continues to accept:
- Canned Goods (soup, vegetables, fruits)
- Dry Goods (pasta, rice, beans)
- Proteins (peanut butter, canned meats)
If you’re interested in helping out or have questions, reach out to the Puyallup Food Bank at (253) 350-9303 or email them at [email protected].
Conclusion: Stand with the Puyallup Community
As the challenges of food insecurity rise, your support can make a tangible difference in the lives of families in Puyallup and the surrounding counties. Join the Puyallup Food Bank in its mission to ensure that no one goes hungry. Together, we can nourish our community and restore hope to those in need.
For more information and updates, be sure to visit the Puyallup Food Bank website and stay informed about how you can contribute during this critical time. Your kindness today can feed a family tomorrow.
