Know someone in Tri-Cities struggling with hunger? Here’s how to find help
For many in the Tri-Cities area, they’re just one paycheck away from life-altering consequences. As of January most Americans, 60%, are living paycheck to paycheck.
The average Tri-Cities apartment rent rose almost 5% last year, and has nearly doubled in the past decade, according to data from the University of Washington’s Center for Real Estate Research.
In March 2013, the average one-bedroom apartment in the Tri-Cities was $630, today it’s $1,146.
That means things like losing a job, major car problems or unexpected medical bills can put many at risk of not having enough to eat, or worse. A recent survey indicated food insecurity is growing in the region as pandemic related food and aid programs begin to be phased out.
For many people who have never had to ask for help with food, or make too much to qualify for aid, it can be difficult to figure out what to do next. So what steps can someone in the Tri-Cities area take to ensure they’re getting enough to eat?
Programs
One of the first things to do is check the Washington Connections website to see what services are available for their situation and find out if they qualify.
The website has information about everything from childcare resources to information about applying for SNAP or WIC and even mental health and veteran services.
For those without internet access, 2-1-1 Washington also helps explore resources and options.
Food Banks
Often people struggling to make end’s meet will be told they make too much to qualify for public assistance.
That’s where food banks and pantries come in.
Most food aid services in the Tri-Cities don’t have income requirements. However, they may ask some questions for information gathering purposes to help get a picture of where need is growing, or because some grants ask them to gather demographic information.
There are a few different kinds of food services. Organizations like Second Harvest don’t hand out food directly, they feed resources to local pantries and organizations.
Food pantries are typically where someone would go to pick up food and other essentials such as menstruation products or pet food.
At some you will receive a prepared box of food that covers basic nutritional items, and at others you might get fresh produce or get to select the items yourself.
For example, Restoration Community Impact recently opened their Restoration Market, which is set up like a small store. Customers sign in, grab a shopping cart and pick out the items their family needs the most.
There are also regular community events such as mobile markets and drive through food giveaways. Dates and times for those types of events can be found on Second Harvest’s website.
They also have cooking classes to help families learn to cook healthier meals with essentials they might receive from food pantries.
There are plenty of food pantries in the Tri-Cities area. In addition, Second Harvest has an interactive map to locate food assistance all over the state.
Local food pantries
Seventh-day Adventist - Pasco Food Bank
605 Road 36
When: Wednesday, 7 a.m. to noon
Tri-Cities Food Bank - Kennewick
424 W. Deschutes Ave.
Monday and Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Website: https://tri-citiesfoodbanks.org/
Sozo Food Bank
120 Railroad Ave. in Kennewick
Monday and Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Note: Thursday evening hours recently changed to regular daytime hours.
Website: https://sozochurch.com/sozo-food-bank
First Baptist Church of Riverview
4921 W. Wernett Road in Pasco
By appointment only, Tuesday through Saturday from 8-6 p.m.
St. Vincent de Paul
215 S. 6th Ave in Pasco
Pasco, WA 99301
Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Salvation Army
310 N. 4th Ave in Pasco
Tuesday and Thursday by appointment only from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m.
Tri-Cities Food Bank - Richland
321 Wellsian Way
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9-11:30 a.m.
Website: https://tri-citiesfoodbanks.org/
Tri-Cities Food Bank - Benton City
712 N. 10th St.
Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Thursday from noon to 2 p.m .and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Website: https://tri-citiesfoodbanks.org/
Basin City Help Services
7180 Road 170
Mesa, WA 99343
Third Saturday of each month from 8:45 a.m. to noon
Friendship Baptist Church
1801 Paterson Road
Prosser, WA 99350
First Tuesday of the month from noon to 1:30 p.m.
All times are subject to change, check 2-harvest.org for the most up to date information.
