As federal discord reverberates through airports, food banks, immigration courts and the lives of federal workers, hunger and food access stand out as a pressing issue in Federal Way and beyond.
As of Nov. 12, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Washington are expected to have either already received their typical funds or to receive it this month as usual.
Food Access in Federal Way
• Phenomenal She Basket of Love Thanksgiving Giveaway: From 12 to 2 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Phenomenal She Headquarters located at 1612 SW Dash Point Rd., Federal Way. “Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, community, and giving back. Join us as we come together for our Sixth Annual Basket of Love Giveaway, where we’ll provide baskets filled with holiday essentials to families in need. This annual tradition celebrates the power of community and kindness — made possible by our incredible partners, volunteers, and supporters.” Spots are limited, so be sure to register early to secure your basket. Contact: 253-237- 2411 or info@phenomenalshe.org.
• PICA-WA holiday giveaway: Calling all Pacific Islander community members. Stay tuned for more information about a Federal Way holiday food giveaway coming up on Nov. 20. Visit www.picawa.org.
• Wayside United Church of Christ food pantry: Open 24/7 in parking lot closest to Lakota fields, located at 2000 SW Dash Point Rd., Federal Way. Volunteers refill Wednesdays and Sundays. Open for donations to give or take whatever is needed. Please note glass jars or bottles is the only request. You do not need to belong to the church to take from or donate.
Donation drives
• South King Fire annual food drive and Santa Parade: Get ready to see Santa and your South King Fire personnel spreading holiday cheer throughout our neighborhoods. Alongside festive lights and music, they’re collecting canned food donations to support local food banks and families in need. Parades run from approximately 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16. Last year, over 5,000 pounds of food were gathered. Digital parade maps are available at southkingfire.org.
• Nourish Network from the Federal Way Inclusive Program: This new community initiative is centered on building connection, compassion, and care. Donate non-perishable food items to the Nourish Network donation bin, located in the Federal Way Community Center lobby, 876 S. 333rd St., Federal Way. All donations will be used to create “meals in a bag,” which are simple, ready-to-prepare meal kits that participants can take home and make themselves. Contact Sabrina Bates: Sabrina.Bates@FederalWayWA.gov or 253-835-692.
• We Love Our City Annual Turkey Drive: Bring your frozen turkey to Family Life Center and drop off between 9 a.m. and noon on Nov. 23, located at 32275 32nd Ave. S., Federal Way. All donations will go to FW Senior Center Food Bank and FW Vets Center.
• Federal Way Employees Launch Holiday Food Drive: From Nov. 10-21, the city is hosting a Holiday Food Drive in support of the Federal Way Senior Center and Multi-Service Center, two organizations that provide essential food and support to residents across the city. With the holidays nearing, more families in Federal Way are facing increasing hardship and wondering how they will put food on the table and meet other basic needs. Reduced SNAP (food assistance) benefits, combined with ongoing impacts from the federal government shutdown, have led to a growing number of households turning to local food banks for support.
Where to donate: Donation bins will be available starting at 10 a.m. on Nov. 10 at City Hall, Main Floor Lobby, Second Floor Near the Hylebos Conference Room, 33325 8th Ave. S., Federal Way. Donations of shelf-stable, nutritious, and culturally inclusive foods are especially appreciated. More resources available in our previous reporting: https://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/thousands-in-federal-way-to-lose-food-benefits-nov-1/
