About Us
Our Mission Statement
The Tukwila Pantry, a non-profit organization, has been established to serve the residents of the city of Tukwila with their emergency food needs and other emergency services referrals. Additionally, the Tukwila Pantry serves residents of bordering communities. The Tukwila Pantry is also committed to educating the community on issues surrounding hunger.
Our History
No child should have to go to school, come home, or go to bed hungry. And yet, the number of families in poverty in Tukwila is growing. Fundamental to the very concept of community is the belief that when a neighbor needs help, members of the community do their best to “lend a hand, feed a neighbor”.
Working together, the Tukwila Rotary and Riverton Park United Methodist Church utilized enthusiastic volunteer labor and an $18,000 start-up grant from United Way to begin to tackle this growing community need. As a result of these efforts, Tukwila Pantry’s doors were opened in 2001. The beginnings were small, and in our first year we had 277 household visits, distributed over 28,000 pounds of food, averaging 101 pounds of food per visit.
Thanks to growing awareness and growing partnerships, in 2004 we were able to serve over 5,000 families. We expect that this dramatic growth will continue.
Where We Are Now
Tukwila Pantry in 2009, along with a growing awareness and ongoing partnerships,were able to meet an ever growing need and serve over 19,000 household visits. We have been able to distribute over 3 million pounds of food averaging 136 pounds of food per visit. Each household receives approximately $204.00 worth of food. This support allows both families and individuals to direct their limited financial resources towards greater sustainability.
Tuesday’s Table, our free weekly dinner program, is a great opportunity for individuals to share a meal and get to know members of their community. Seniors, homeless, parents with young children, any and all are welcome. This program serves approximately 145 hot meals every Tuesday. The food is great, and a dedicated group of volunteers from throughout our community assist with this program.
Our workplace ESL program has been a wonderful program. This program has given many individuals the ability and confidence to find work or to progress in their job skills training, giving them greater opportunities for advancement. Renton Technical College works very hard to make this class pertinent to all who attend. This past year we had a class size 16 individuals. On January 4th our new quarter will begin. Students will be working on ESL with an emphasis on citizenship. This proves to be an exciting time for all.
Our Tukwila Pantry Youth program has been fun for the many school aged individuals that come here and volunteer on a regular basis with us. These individuals have learned what it is to be part of a community that cares for their neighbor. They have gone before Tukwila City Council to perform the opening pledge of allegiance and also taken time at other Council meetings to inform elected officials of the work that is done at the Tukwila Pantry. Many of these young men have served over 500 volunteer hours this past year.
Hunger is still prevalent throughout the communities we serve. Your support is more important to us than it ever has been. You make a difference, changing the quality of life for thousands of individuals. Making sure a choice between paying rent, utilities, healthcare or purchasing food for a family or individual might not have to be made. Please continue to support your community your neighbors by supporting Tukwila Pantry.