Where to Get Help or Give Back: Food Banks in Thurston & Pierce County

Where to Get Help or Give Back: Food Banks in Thurston & Pierce County

Communityโ€‘Driven Food Support from DuPont to Tumwater

When times get tough, our community shows up. With the government shutdown impacting SNAP benefits and food prices still high, more families than ever are facing food insecurity. If you or someone you know is struggling to put food on the table, there are local food banks ready to help. And if you’re looking for ways to give back, these organizations could use your support through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.

If you need a hand putting food on the table, or youโ€™re in a place to help someone else, this guide is for you. Below you’ll find trusted local food banks, donation drop-offs, and volunteer opportunities that keep our community going.

Where to Get Food Assistance

These local food banks are ready to help with groceries, produce, pantry items, and more. No one should go hungry in our community.

Thurston County Food Banks

Thurston County Food Bank โ€“ Olympia
๐Ÿ“ 220 Thurston Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98501
๐Ÿ•’ Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Drive-through or walk-up. No appointment necessary.
๐Ÿ”— https://www.tcfb.org/services/food-services/pantries-satellites/

Thurston County Food Bank โ€“ Lacey Pantry
๐Ÿ“ 7027 Martin Way E, Olympia, WA 98516
๐Ÿ•’ Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 AMโ€“2:00 PM | Second Wednesday monthly 4:00 PMโ€“6:00 PM
๐Ÿ”— https://www.tcfb.org/services/food-services/pantries-satellites/

Thurston County Food Bank โ€“ Tumwater Satellite
๐Ÿ“ 1401 Lake Park Dr SW, Tumwater, WA 98512
๐Ÿ•’ Third Wednesday of each month, 5:00 PMโ€“7:00 PM
๐Ÿ”— https://www.tcfb.org/services/food-services/pantries-satellites/

Yelm Community Services Food Bank
๐Ÿ“ 624 Crystal Springs St NW, Yelm, WA 98597
๐Ÿ•’ Thursdays 9:30 AMโ€“12:15 PM
Serves Yelm, Rainier School District, Nisqually Tribal Reservation
๐Ÿ”— https://www.yelmcommunityservices.com/food-bank

Tenino Food Bank Plus
๐Ÿ“ 224 Sussex E, Tenino, WA 98589
๐Ÿ•’ Tuesdays 9:00 AMโ€“Noon
๐Ÿ”— http://yelmcommunityservices.com/


Pierce County Food Banks

Nourish Pierce County
Multiple locations throughout Pierce County including DuPont area.
๐Ÿ•’ Weekly mobile food banks and pantries
๐Ÿ”— https://nourishpc.org/

Emergency Food Network (EFN)
๐Ÿ“ 3318 92nd St S, Lakewood, WA 98499
๐Ÿ•’ Mondayโ€“Friday, 8:00 AMโ€“4:00 PM (admin and warehouse)
Partners with local food banks throughout the county
๐Ÿ”— https://www.efoodnet.org

Orting Food Bank
๐Ÿ“ 224 Washington Ave S, Orting, WA 98360
๐Ÿ•’ Monday 3:00 PMโ€“6:00 PM, Wednesday 12:00 PMโ€“3:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AMโ€“12:00 PM
๐Ÿ”— https://www.ortingfoodbank.org/

Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank
๐Ÿ“ 4425 Burnham Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
๐Ÿ•’ Mon & Fri 9:30 AMโ€“3:30 PM, Wed & Thu 9:30 AMโ€“6:00 PM
๐Ÿ”— https://www.ghpfish.org


JBLM, Veterans, and Military Families

Armed Services YMCA โ€“ Food Pantry at JBLM (coming soon..)
๐Ÿ“ 5325 Boxer Rd, JBLM, WA 98433
๐Ÿ•’ Tuesdayโ€“Friday 9:00 AMโ€“2:00 PM
Available for active-duty, reservists, and military families
๐Ÿ”— https://pacificnw.asymca.org/services/food-assistance/

Operation Homefront โ€“ Critical Financial Assistance
Emergency food support and grocery programs for veterans and military families
๐Ÿ”— https://operationhomefront.org

Lewis-McChord Warrior Food Pantry
In partnership with local churches and support programs for military families in need
Contact chaplain services for access or visit your Family Readiness Group

Eloiseโ€™s Cooking Pot Food Bank
Provides quality food to the communities of East and South Tacoma, Washington. ย ๐Ÿ”—https://themadf.org/eloises-cooking-pot/

Support local families. Show up for your neighbors. Here’s how we come together in challenging times.

Want to Help? Hereโ€™s How

If you’re in a position to lend a hand, here are a few ways you can get involved:

Donate Food or Essentials
Most food banks accept non-perishable goods, canned foods, hygiene items, diapers, and pet food. Reach out to your local food bank to find out their current needs.

Volunteer Your Time
Volunteers are the heart of every food bank. Help pack bags, distribute food, or assist with mobile pantries. Opportunities are available in Olympia, Lacey, Yelm, Tenino, Tumwater, DuPont, Orting, and more.

Host a Food Drive
Get your neighborhood, workplace, or church involved. Many organizations offer toolkits or drop-off bins to make organizing easy.

Make a Monetary Donation
Your dollar can go a long way. Most food banks have wholesale partnerships and can stretch your donation further than a grocery cart ever could.

Spread the Word
Share this blog or your local food bankโ€™s website. You never know who in your network may need a little support or be ready to help.

Together, we can keep our community strong, full, and thriving.


๐Ÿงก For more hyperlocal resources, community guides, and neighborhood support, visit guyduvall.com

For more local guides and real estate insights, visit guyduvall.com and check out my blog.

Guy DuVall

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Rainy Day Activities in Western Washington: What Locals Love to Do Indoors

Living in Western Washington means embracing the rainโ€”after all, itโ€™s part of what makes the Pacific Northwest so unique! But when the drizzle turns into a downpour, thereโ€™s no shortage of cozy, adventurous, and entertaining indoor activities near JBLM, Lacey, Olympia, and surrounding areas. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, hereโ€™s how to make the most of those rainy days this November.

Explore Local History and Culture

Western Washington is rich in history, and a rainy day is perfect for diving into its stories.

Sip and Savor at Local Coffee Shops

Nothing says โ€œPNWโ€ like cozying up in a warm coffee shop with a locally brewed cup of joe.

Get Creative Indoors

Rainy days are the perfect excuse to tap into your artistic side.

Shop Local and Stay Dry

Support local businesses and enjoy some retail therapy.

  • Capital Mall (Olympia): The holiday season is already hereโ€”find local vendors during November weekend events.
  • South Sound Center (Lacey): Enjoy shopping, dining, and catching the latest movies.
  • Olympia Farmers Market: November is perfect for exploring covered vendor areas and stocking up on fall treats like cider and baked goods.
  • Small Business Saturday Events: Happening after Thanksgiving, explore local shops to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.

Relax and Unwind at Home

For many Western Washingtonians, rainy days are best spent embracing the cozy comforts of home.

  • Set the scene: Curl up by the fire with a warm blanket and a cup of tea, or host a cozy movie marathon with friends.
  • Create a seasonal vibe: November is the perfect time to add autumnal touches to your homeโ€”think candles, throw pillows, and fall florals.

Having a home that truly fits your needs can make those rainy days even better. If youโ€™re looking for a space with a cozy fireplace, open living areas, or the perfect nook for a rainy day retreat, letโ€™s talk! ๐Ÿก

Family Fun: Bowling, Movies, and More

For active indoor fun, head to:

  • Aztec Lanes (Olympia): Great for a family bowling night.
  • Capital Mall Cinemas (Olympia): The latest holiday blockbusters are hitting the screen this month.
  • Defy Olympia: An indoor trampoline park for kids and the young at heart.

Rain or Shine, Western Washington Shines

Whether youโ€™re exploring local museums, sipping coffee, or enjoying the comforts of home, rainy days in the PNW offer endless opportunities to stay entertained and cozy. If your rainy day adventures inspire you to find a home you truly love, letโ€™s connectโ€”Iโ€™d be happy to help you find your perfect rainy day haven. ๐ŸŒง๏ธ

๐Ÿ“ฉ Ready to make your rainy days even cozier? Contact me to explore homes in the heart of Western Washington!

Guy DuVall

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