Hungry families and individuals in Pierce County will have more food in their cupboards this spring, thanks to the thoughtfulness of local citizens who placed bags of food by their mailboxes on May 12. EFN received 316,209 pounds of food from communities throughout the county.
The event is a true community effort. McKinney Trailers and Containers generously donated the use of 15 trailers to store the collected food during this one-day drive. Bank of America sponsored the purchase of 312,000 bags that letter carriers delivered to area residents. Volunteers helped postal carriers on their routes to pick up food and load it onto trucks. Realtors from the Tacoma Pierce County Association of Realtors sorted food in EFN’s warehouse after the drive.
This year, organizers made an effort to emphasize the nutritional value of items donated. Peanut butter and canned meats, vegetables, and soups are healthy, protein-laden foods for families and individuals who visit area food banks during difficult times. EFN’s warehouse in Lakewood is now filled to the brim with generous gifts of food, but the bounty doesn’t last long. EFN distributes over 1 million pounds of food each month. The Letter Carriers Food Drive provides EFN with a week’s worth of food for the hungry children, seniors and adults who make an average of 110,000 total visits to emergency food sites in Pierce County.
In 2011, EFN distributed 13.1 million pounds of food worth $16.1 million at no cost through its warehouse operation. EFN is able to leverage purchased and donated food to distribute $12 worth of food for every $1 donated.
Food Drives play an important role in helping EFN meet the needs of our hungry Pierce County neighbors. In addition to individual food drives, EFN relies on various companies and organizations to donate product. Once received, the food is distributed to the 73 food banks, meal sites, and shelters that EFN serves.
To learn more about EFN, volunteering, or to obtain a food drive information packet, visit www.efoodnet.org or call (253) 584-1040.
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