EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA.
THREE RIVERS CAMPUS DISTRIBUTION, LIFE CENTER FUNDRAISER AND MORE – MAY 8
DISTRIBUTION AT THREE RIVERS CAMPUS
Second Harvest partnered with Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick to host a drive-thru food distribution at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, May 6. The inaugural event served more than 500 families. Distributions will take place at the Toyota Center each Wednesday in May from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or while supplies last. For more information about these distributions, visit our calendar of events.
The Toyota Center also hosted a one-time distribution today, starting at 11 a.m., to serve an additional 1,000 families. A variety of food items, including potatoes donated by the Washington State Potato Commission, were distributed by the National Guard, volunteers and Three Rivers Convention Center staff.
WASHINGTON STATE POTATO COMMISSION DONATION
Washington’s potato growers have committed to donating one million pounds of potatoes to people facing hunger during COVID-19. With restaurants limited to take-out only, growers are experiencing a surplus of unprocessed potatoes—product that they don’t want to waste at a time of increased food insecurity in our region. Today at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, 50,000 pounds of the one-million-pound commitment were distributed to our neighbors in need. Read more about the Washington State Potato Commission’s donation here and here.
LIFE CENTER FUNDRAISER
Life Center in Spokane will host a drive-thru fundraiser this Saturday, May 9, to help provide food to people in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Participants can donate food, cash or checks at the church (1202 N. Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or click here to give now. Life Center is generously matching up to $125,000 in donations to Second Harvest with a goal of raising $250,000. (Donations will be accepted online through Monday.) Get more details about Saturday’s event here.
MUV FITNESS FOOD DRIVE
MUV Fitness is hosting a food drive for Second Harvest today at its East Spokane, North Spokane and South Spokane locations. If you’d like to participate, bring donations to one of the locations before 6 p.m. Requested food donations include canned fish and lean meats, healthy soups and stews, dry or canned beans, whole grain pasta, rice and cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter and other nut butters. Get more details about the food drive here.
FLY-OVER TO HONOR FRONTLINE WORKERS
An “America Strong” flyover to honor health care professionals, first responders and essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic took place today across the region. Two KC-135s from Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane flew over select cities and medical centers in Eastern Washington this afternoon. Flags on board will be hung at Second Harvest following the flight. For more details about the event, click here.
SHARE YOUR STORY
Have you sought food assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Your story matters. Your voice will help people better understand what hunger looks like in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they can help. Second Harvest shares stories of the people we serve on our website, in fundraising materials, on social channels and with the media. If you’re open to Second Harvest sharing your story in this way, use this form to get in touch.
#GIVINGTUESDAYNOW
Thank you to everyone who donated on Tuesday for #GivingTuesdayNow. Because of you, our neighbors in need can put food on the table during this crisis. Second Harvest extends a special thank you to First Interstate Bank for their generous match, which helped #GivingTuesdayNow donors double their impact.
To sign up to receive our updates to COVID-19 via email, please click here.
Ag donor spotlight: Reser’s Fine Foods – May 17
With about 90% of the food we distribute being donated, cultivating strong relationships is central to our mission.
Reser’s Fine Foods is just one of those valued relationships, and their generous support has grown significantly over the last few years, donating items like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese.
“The Reser’s team is not only a strong partner in helping fight hunger,” Mike added. “They are friends.”
Food as Culture – May 10
In addition to being nourishing and life giving, food is also one of the greatest connectors. Food bonds people together. It shares a story in and of itself and then stories are shared, again, when bread is broken together. One of the leading “getting to know you” activities is going out to dinner.
In The Kitchen, we believe in the power of nutrition but know that nourishment goes best hand in hand with community.
Partner Agency Spotlight: Hope House – May 3
We wanted to take a moment to shine the spotlight on a local partner agency dedicated to making a difference in the lives of homeless women. Hope House offers a compassionate and respectful environment for up to 100 women seeking shelter each night. Part of that environment includes building community and friendships over the three meals offered daily.
Feeding Eastern Washington and North Idaho
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