Community in Crisis

The Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation has always believed that no one in our community should go hungry — especially our children and families. This fall, that mission has become more urgent than ever.

With the ongoing government shutdown and soaring food prices, many local families are feeling the strain. Paychecks have stopped for some federal workers, while others fear disruptions in SNAP (food assistance) benefits. The ripple effect is being felt right here in the Plateau communities we serve.

Our Backpack Program, which provides weekend meals for students who might otherwise go without, started the school year at nearly a record high. In just the past two weeks, the number of children receiving food support has increased by 10% — a sharp rise we attribute to the financial uncertainty caused by the shutdown and growing concern over food affordability. In addition to serving a growing number of kids, we also aim to bolster the bags for the time being. This increased support drives our food costs even higher.

We’re also seeing a surge at our Full Bellies community dinners, where more neighbors are coming together for a warm meal and connection each week. Attendance has climbed in these recent weeks and we’re working hard to meet the increased need. Together with our host groups, we are serving nearly 100 guests each Thursday.

Here’s how you can help:

Donate nonperishable food items – kid-friendly items like granola bars, fruit cups, canned pasta, and peanut butter are especially needed.

Give a monetary donation – your dollars go further because we can purchase food in bulk and fill the most critical gaps across our Backpack and Full Bellies programs.

Volunteer your time – extra hands are needed to help pack Backpack Program food bags and also to prepare and serve meals at Full Bellies.

Spread the word – share this message with friends, coworkers, and neighbors who may want to join in supporting local families.

Every can, every dollar, every hour, and every act of kindness makes a difference.

Let’s show our community what it means to care for one another — because when times get tough, we get stronger together.

Donate or sign up to volunteer today or drop off food donations at The Foundation [1304 Griffin Ave, Enumclaw]. We’ve also put together an Amazon Wishlist which makes it easy to send the most needed food items.

Thank you for helping ensure no child — and no neighbor — in our community goes hungry.