An Update from our Executive Director and Board President
We hope you and your loved ones are in good health and spirits. As we reflect on our Puyallup community as a whole, our hearts go out to all of those affected by the coronavirus. We remain optimistic that our city, “the land of the generous people”, will stand side-by-side with one another in this season.
Here at the Puyallup Food Bank, we are ready to respond to the increased need in our community. As we navigate through this difficult time, we continue to work diligently with our partners and vendors to provide nutritious meals for our neighbors in need. If there are any members in your community who are in need, our doors are open, and we are here to help.
In the coming weeks, we will be quickly approaching maximum capacity as we prepare for an increased demand. Our normal operational window allows us to serve our neighbors in need for 90 days. However, we expect this number will cut in half, and even decrease to 30 days within the next few weeks.
The good news is we have a plan. We are working closely with the state government to access our allocations sooner in preparations for a substantial increase in demand. With the recent school closures throughout the Puyallup School District, and the anticipated economic impact this will have on our Puyallup community as a whole, we are asking for your help.
We are prepared to follow restrictions enacted by our government for the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, donors, clients and community. This means that we may have to postpone or cancel some of our biggest food drives/fundraising events of the year: Opening Day Food Drive at the Spring Fair (April 16th) as well as our Bowling Tournament (May 30th) and Fundraising Breakfast (June 11th).
Looking to scripture, we expect that Matthew 25: 35-40 resonates with all of us as we strive to serve our fellow brothers and sisters in need:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
We invite you to stand with us as the number of our neighbors going to bed hungry is increasing.
If you’re thinking to yourself: “How can I help the Puyallup Food Bank?” there are five easy ways to get involved:
Financial gift– your generous donation will go directly to serving our neighbors in need.
Volunteer– you can join our dedicated cohort of volunteers and help make a significant impact in your community.
Reusable grocery bags– this item is an essential for serving our clients with compassion, grace and respect.
Food donations– without food donations, we are unable to provide nutritious meals for families, seniors and children.
Non-food donations (i.e. toilet paper, paper towels, soap)– these common household items, are in high demand and, ensure we have a clean serving area and warehouse for our volunteers.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. If you have any questions, or would like more information, in regards to how you can help us fight hunger in our community please email info@puyallupfoodbank.org.
Thank you,
Jim Beaudoin Daniel Hoffman
Executive Director Board President
