Victor and his dog have always been inseparable adventurers—meeting new people, exploring new places, and learning new things together. They have treasured every adventure as an opportunity to make new memories with friends and loved ones.
But in the last four months, the adventures have become fewer. After suddenly losing his job, Victor has been scrambling to stay afloat. Though he’s picked up a part-time job, it barely covers basic expenses. His evenings and weekends, once reserved for relaxing and adventuring, are now consumed by night shifts and side gigs.
Still, Victor remains hopeful. He believes a full-time job is just around the corner. In the meantime, he’s doing everything he can to care for himself and his beloved dog.
One way he’s been able to keep going is by visiting Life Center Rainier’s Food Pantry. There, Victor receives fresh, nutritious food for free—making it possible to redirect limited funds to other essentials, like filling up his gas tank to get to work.
The dedicated team at the Life Center Rainer Food Pantry.
The food pantry provides nourishment for both Victor and his furry best friend. “I have been coming here for 2–3 months now, and often, this is all the food I have,” Victor shared. “It has been great not only for me but for my dog. I am able to give him both wet and dry food because of my weekly visits here.” The dedicated volunteers at the food pantry take great joy in connecting with Victor, and hundreds of others, every single week.
As one of Emergency Food Network (EFN)’s Partner Programs, Life Center Rainier receives regular deliveries of food—including fresh produce, hearty grains, and filling proteins—at no cost to them. With this support from EFN, pantry staff and volunteers can focus more of their time and energy on building relationships and creating a space of care and connection.
“They come for the food of course, but just as much, they come to chat and feel seen,” muses Karen, one of the directors of the Life Center Rainier Food Pantry. “All the time, I hear folks say, ‘I never thought I would have to start coming here, but I don’t feel shame when I come here and see you and talk with you and share about my family with you. It’s just a normal part of my day.”
Every week, Victor—and hundreds of others like him—receive not just food, but the reminder that they are not alone. This work is only possible because of a community that believes no one should go hungry. Your support makes stories like Victor’s possible. Thank you for nourishing hope, dignity, and community across Pierce County.