Tukwila Pantry outdoor covering
A food pantry that has seen a significant increase in the number of clients served seeks to become a higher-capacity and more sustainable organization. The pantry needs assistance in constructing a permanent outdoor covering for receiving, storing and distributing food. The improvement will offer staff, clients and food products protection from the elements during curbside pickups and benefit thousands of households that depend on this service.
Why It Matters
Before the pandemic, Tukwila Pantry served on average less than 300 households per week. The need was great then, but, today, it serves over 500 households during each distribution day. The Tukwila Pantry expects to remain at the front line of the COVID-19 crisis and recovery for years to come and the extra resources that have been available during this crisis are temporary.
Maintenance on the old 1960s church building the pantry operates out of has been put off for years. The utmost need is a more permanent covering for the outdoor exchange area that would protect staff, clients and food products from the harsh wind and rain common in the Pacific Northwest. A more permanent roof constructed over the outdoor exchange area would immediately benefit the servicing of literally thousands of neighboring residents.
The Impact
“Tukwila’s population sits around 20,000. Often towns the size of ours, next to a big city, struggle not to be swallowed by industry or lost to urban sprawl. We feel the pride of our independence and yet the burden of our proximity,” said project nominator Paul Coblentz. “We face the big city costs of living. It affects the price tags on our housing, our utilities, our education, and, of course, our food. Many of us can at least meet these costs for our families. Many cannot."
There is no shortage in Tukwila of a desire to support one another. Big hearts are all around. Unfortunately, they are not always paired with big enough wallets. It’s no surprise that several of the Pantry’s volunteers are also clients.
Explore Our Other Projects
The 100 projects span 36 states and will help thousands of families from coast to coast. Check out progress from each project via #100Hometowns and @Lowes social channels.