All year, Emergency Food Network (EFN) has been sharing about our goal to distribute 20 million pounds of food and the rising need in the community. One thing that may be easy to miss in these big numbers is the importance of access on an individual level. Food insecurity is about more than empty cupboards, it’s the worry that when individuals and families seek help they might not be met with the specific support they need.
People who haven’t been to a food pantry may not know all of the questions an individual may have to ask themselves before going to a food pantry. Questions like:
- Is there a food pantry near me and when will it be open?
- Do I have to bring documentation to prove that I am eligible for services? Do I have those documents if they’re necessary?
- Will I get the kinds of foods my family eats?
All these questions are factored into the daily work of EFN.
- Our Find Food Page is the most visited page of our website. We work hard to make this tool as usable as possible for our community by utilizing translation and text-to-speech tools and the interactive map helps people find programs based on their operating schedule, location, and service style. Keeping this page and our Food Pantry Directory handy is one of the easiest ways you can improve access in Pierce County.
- Visitors to our partners are not required to provide identification or any forms that prove their income, citizenship status, or where they live to receive food. Families spend hours each month working on maintaining eligibility for programs like SNAP and Medicaid. Removing paperwork and requirements for services keeps food pantries easy to use so they’re available when people need them most. Sharing this information is an important way to help people in your life who may not be sure if they are eligible for support.
- EFN and our partners work hard to make sure that food pantries are full of diverse and nutritious options that meet the needs of as many people as possible. From purchasing fresh produce and milk to prioritizing canned foods that are low in sugar and sodium, we aim to make every purchase as impactful as possible for our neighbors. You make these purchases possible by donating to EFN. You can also add diversity to food pantry shelves by hosting a food drive and focusing on culturally diverse foods and accessible items like pop-top cans and ready-to-eat meals.
As rising costs and a shrinking safety net impact more families, EFN is preparing for more need in the community. By taking part in our work, you are strengthening Pierce County’s food system so that it is ready and accessible for anyone in need.