The face of hunger is not a stranger. It’s our neighbor, our classmate’s parent, or the person we see at the grocery store. It’s a face we know.
The face of hunger is a single mother who works two jobs and still can’t make ends meet. It’s the elderly couple on a fixed income, trying to choose between medication and groceries. It’s the family of five, hit hard by a job loss, who are too proud to ask for help.
When we collect food donations, we aren’t just filling boxes. We’re providing a lifeline. We’re helping that single mother put a healthy meal on the table for her children. We’re ensuring that the elderly couple doesn’t have to sacrifice their health for food. We’re offering dignity and a glimmer of hope to the family struggling in silence.
Every can of soup, every box of cereal, and every bag of fruit we collect is a symbol of our commitment to our community. It’s a tangible way to show that we see the face of hunger, and we’re here to help. Our work reminds us that hunger isn’t an abstract problem; it’s a real issue affecting real people right here at home.
Let’s actively fight hunger, remembering that our collective action can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. Let’s continue to serve, knowing that every donation brings us closer to a community where no one has to go hungry.The Lakewood Rotary Little Free Pantry program has been going strong since 2020. The seven pantries in Lakewood and Steilacoom are strategically located so families and individuals who don’t have transportation to local food banks can still have access to free food.
The United Way uses a specific measurement to identify individuals who are employed but still struggle to afford the basic cost of living in their communities. This group is referred to as ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
In Lakewood, the number of residents who fall into the ALICE category, combined with those living below the federal poverty threshold, totals 48% of the local population. This statistic highlights the significant portion of the community facing financial challenges despite being employed.
Lakewood’s ALICE rate is notably high—54% greater than the average for Washington state. This disparity underscores the particularly acute economic pressures experienced by Lakewood residents compared to the broader state population.
Given these figures, it is likely that nearly every other person encountered in Lakewood is experiencing food insecurity. The widespread nature of this issue reflects the broader challenges related to affordability and access to basic necessities within the community.
For more information and how to help see https://lakewoodrotary.com/little-free-pantry-initiative/
How You Can Help (For the Website)
There are several meaningful ways you can make a difference in the fight against hunger within our community:
Organize or Join a Support Group:
Consider forming or becoming part of a team dedicated to supporting a specific neighborhood pantry. By working together, you can maximize your impact and ensure that the needs of local families are met more efficiently.
Donate Essential Items:
You can drop off nonperishable food or hygiene items at any of our designated drop-off points. Every contribution, whether it is a can of soup or a box of cereal, helps us provide for those who might otherwise go without.
Support Financially:
Donations to the Lakewood Rotary Little Free Pantry directly supply our pantries. As a volunteer-run organization with no overhead costs, 100% of your donation goes toward purchasing food and essential items for those in need. You can donate here.