We love our many volunteers and thank them for all that they do! Tammy Richardson (left) and Cynthia Howard (right) sort and catalog food donations at our Nourishing Network pantry.

Dear Friends,

Two weeks ago, I reached out to share how the Foundation is serving children and families in response to COVID-19. Since then, Nourishing Network staff, partners, and volunteers have continued to adapt to changing circumstances and new demands. I want to thank everyone for their creative solutions and selfless work. This is a trying time for all of us in different ways.   Not surprisingly, more families are asking for our help due to financial hardship. I am happy to say that the Nourishing Network has been able to meet this growing need because of strong partnerships and a generous community. I’d like to give you a brief update:

Grab-n-Go Meals: In coordination with the district, we will provide grab-n-go breakfast and lunch every Monday through Friday for as long as schools are closed. Once a week, now on Wednesdays, free dinner meals are also available. So far, more than 1,630 boxed dinners have been donated by local restaurants Salt & Iron/Feedme Hospitality, Café Veloce, Chick-fil-A Lynnwood, Costco, Bantaba African Restaurant, and Dick’s Drive-In with TFS Advisors. I can tell you that families are grateful!  

Nourishing Network meal sites include Community Life Center, Meadowdale Community Church, Spruce Park and YWCA Somerset Village Apartments.    We provide support as needed at Alderwood Boys & Girls Club, College Place Elem., Cedar Valley Community School, Martha Lake Elem., Oak Heights Elem., and Scriber Creek Apartments.

Weekend Meal Kits: This week, Nourishing Network volunteers will pack and deliver 200 meal kits to homeless students throughout our community. This is twice as many as last week. In addition to six ready-to-eat meals and snacks, kits will now include donated school supplies to equip our most vulnerable students with basic tools for learning.  

Pop-Up Pantries and Pantry Boxes: By the end of April more than 300 households will have received pre-packed food boxes thanks to joint efforts of our staff, volunteers, and local foodbanks. In the past two weeks, drive-through pop-up pantries served 210 families – the most ever. Pantry boxes are being delivered to another 30 households each week. I thank the Edmonds, Lynnwood, and Concern for Neighbors Food Banks who help us fight hunger in our school district.

As you can see, our team is working hard, backed up by so many committed volunteers and by supporters like you. I’m heartened by what we’re accomplishing together and will continue to keep you informed.    

Warmly,  

Deborah Brandi

Executive Director

We are grateful for our partnership with Alissa Jones/Lynnwood Food Bank (left), Casey Davis/Edmonds Food Bank (center), and, not shown, Mike Begeman/Concern for Neighbors Food Bank in Mountlake Terrace (right). They do so much for our students and families.