Yakima, Wash. stands as a testament to the power of community support. At the OIC food bank, a remarkable initiative is underway, providing essential sustenance to those in need.

Empowering Communities with Food and Hope

Food Distribution on Holiday Season

During this holiday season, the OIC of Washington held one of its numerous food drives. Boxes filled with a diverse range of food items were distributed to families in need. These boxes contained both perishable and nonperishable goods, ensuring that each family of up to 6 could be adequately fed. As Mario Gonzalez, the OIC of WA Food Bank Organizer, passionately stated, "It really fulfills a big part in my heart, and I really love seeing the happiness that it brings to the people here in the community of Yakima." The main items that people cherished included oil, eggs, an abundance of produce like fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and an array of other treats such as spam, almonds, pistachios, dried cranberries, peanut butter, dried canned corn, bagged potatoes, and even mashed potatoes in a bag. It's truly a treasure trove of good stuff that meets the diverse needs of the community.

Hope for the Homeless

In addition to the food boxes, the OIC has something special for the homeless - hope. Gonzalez shared, "We see that the homeless people really enjoy having these homeless boxes made for them. It gives them hope that there’s food here waiting for them every Tuesday. That's why we see a large increase in the homeless community here at the OIC food bank." This gesture of providing hope alongside food has a profound impact on the lives of those facing homelessness.

Regular Food Drive Schedule

The OIC of Washington holds food drives with great regularity. Every Tuesday morning from 8 to 10 am, families can rely on this source of nourishment. Moreover, they also have an after-hours food drive from 4 to 6 pm every third Thursday of the month. This consistent schedule ensures that those in need have a reliable access point to obtain food. Darrylynn Alcazar, the OIC Snap-ED Coordinator, emphasized the significance, saying, "The community obviously with those in need, because I’ve been in that position before where I needed that assistance. So, to be able to give is something that’s very important to me." These food drives truly make a difference in the lives of countless individuals and families.