Hello Ken,

At the beginning of May, Nourish CEO, Sue Potter, had the honor of speaking with reporter Craig Sailor of the Tacoma News Tribune.

Inflation has hit food banks coming and going. Food prices are driving more people to seek food assistance while incoming food donations have lessened. Like the public, food banks are spending more on food. And less food is coming in through the USDA’s emergency food assistance program, Potter said.

“Grocery stores are cutting back on what they’re stocking because prices are so high for food,” she said. Grocery stores often donate food that [is nearing] its sell-by date but is still fit for human consumption. But less stock means fewer donations.

Nourish buys between 12 and 15 semi truck loads of food per year. Products like canned corn and soups.

“In the past, we could do that with about $500,000,” Potter said. “Now those same truckloads cost about 30 to 40 percent more.”

Nourish increased its food budget to $700,000 in 2024 but, Potter said, the food bank needs $1.8 million to meet current demand.

Since this article, Nourish has seen an outpouring of support from the community. One monthly donor called to increase his donation, saying "I read the article and it's so sad." He wanted to do all he could to help with this crisis. Others donated during our recent GiveBIG campaign, raising over $6,000, more than we ever have before.

Thank you for continuing to support Nourish, we couldn't meet this growing need without you!

"When it comes to needing food, it's better not to go hungry. I've never had a bad experience [at the food bank], I've never gone without necessity. Even if they don't have a lot, they still provide whatever they can."

- Whitney, Food Bank Guest

UWT student, Raghvi Baloni, interviewed Nourish board member Dr. Christine Stevens about addressing food insecurity on UWT campus.

View the article here.

Nourish CEO, Sue Potter, Spoke with TNT Reporter Craig Sailor about the food insecurity crisis facing food banks across Pierce County.

Watch the video here.

Deputy Director, Ken Gibson sat down with The Word Seattle to talk about the growing need for food in Pierce County.

Listen to the podcast here.

Leaving a Legacy

Legacy giving is a great way that you and your family can support the charitable causes that matter most to you. These kinds of gifts can do the following:

• Provide sustainable financial resources to help get food to people in need so they can get back on their feet and move on with their lives.
• Provide you an opportunity to have your charitable values live well beyond your lifetime.  
• Provide tax benefits that, in many cases, can help assure that more of your hard-earned resources go toward the things that matter most to you such as your family and charitable values.

We encourage you to consult with your attorney or financial advisor to find out if a planned gift or a legacy gift makes sense for you. For more information on legacy giving, visit nourishpc.org/donate or contact Marion Sharp, Nourish's Development Director at marionsharp@nourishpc.org.

Save the Date!

We are looking for Table Captains and Sponsors!

Contact development@nourishpc.org for more information.

A BIG Thank You to the Sponsors Who Have Already Joined Us!

Alaska Airlines - Puget Sound Precast - Rush Hannula, Harkins & Kyler - Terreno Realty Corporation - Virginia Mason Franciscan Health

Food Bank News

On Tuesday, May 7th, after Nourish's Graham Food Bank had closed for the evening, a man broke into the fenced area next to the food bank, where our grocery rescue truck is stored and stole 40 gallons of fuel from our truck.

Not only did this theft cause damage to food bank property, it also forces us to reallocate vital resources to cleaning up, securing, and repairing food bank property. Other food banks in the area have been reporting stolen vehicles and other incidences similar to the one Nourish just experienced.

Nourish is looking for new staff members to join our growing team!

Mobile Food Bank Manager / CDL-A Driver

The Mobile Driver/Manager is responsible for all phases of food bank operations involved in the acquisition, maintenance, and distribution of food to customers through Nourish’ s Mobile Food Bank. The mobile food bank is semi-truck and trailer converted into a food pantry. The manager safely transports the mobile unit to area distribution sites. Once parked the manager ensures a warm and welcoming environment for customers to “shop” and provides a positive working environment for volunteers. Successful candidates must demonstrates effective leadership, good public relations skills, and ability to use personal computer technology.

Food Bank Manager

This position is responsible for all phases of food bank operations involved in the acquisition, maintenance, and distribution of food to customers. Ensures a compassionate and warm-welcoming environment for customers and provides a positive working environment for volunteers. Demonstrates effective leadership and good public relations skills and the ability to use personal computer technology. 

If you know these people, or maybe are one of them,

we’d love to have you apply!