Blog
Dive into the stories that make up our community’s history, from recipes to annual reports, volunteer stories, and much more.
Meet Our 2023 Summer Intern Cohort
This year we welcomed our second summer intern cohort at RVFB! Interns support us in making our mission a reality, by working alongside our staff, including development and distribution. Through partnership with local employment programs, such as Teens in Public Service, Youth Social Impact, and Track, we provide interns with valuable professional experience, preparing them for their future paths.
Honoring Our Space
The 9021 Rainier Ave S building, which we now call home, has a long history of serving our South Seattle community. Before us, the building was a library, a mortuary, a bank, and a Chiropractor’s office – to say the least, our new home has a long, unique history of serving our community’s needs. Learn about how we are honoring our space this month by checking out our new blog post, and we hope to see you at an upcoming event!
ScAAPInger Hunt
This month, we are celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Join us in supporting our local AAPI-owned businesses by participating in our ScAAPInger Hunt. Download and print the bingo card on this blog post and shop your way through Seattle, marking off each business you visit and support this month.
2023 Feast & Friendzy
We were so thrilled to gather with and celebrate our incredible community of volunteers last month. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to ensuring our neighbors in South Seattle don't have to go hungry truly makes our work possible. To those who joined us in person or in spirit, we're so grateful to be able to celebrate you!
Shop Black-Owned Businesses in South Seattle
South Seattle is a diverse section of our beautiful city, and we feel lucky to call it home! This year, on Black History Month, we're highlighting the many Black-owned businesses that bring rich shopping options to our community. With everything from jewelry to plants, furniture to food, there's a shop for anything you need.
Shop Small in South Seattle
Looking for the perfect gift for your family and friends this holiday season? We've got you covered with this list of South Seattle local businesses you can stop by today! Bonus: at the end, there's a list of local fitness centers you can support!
South Seattle Eats & Drinks
Food lovers will attest that Seattle has some of the best food. Looking for a local restaurant or taproom with delicious foods and drinks? This holiday season, spend quality time with your family and friends while supporting local restaurants. We've created a guide with some of our favorite spots and their must-tries!
The Height of Holiday Giving
The snow flurries this week brought holiday spirits into full swing at RVFB! Our community is merry, and the spirit of giving is alive and well. Did you know that this season marks the height of giving at RVFB?
Cookie Party Recap
Our 15th annual Cookie Party brought us back to Geraldine’s Counter, where we all enjoyed a meal and a lively raffle while decorating cookies. We couldn’t have asked for a better kickstart to our holiday season!
4 Ways to Give this Holiday Season
South Seattle has sprung alive this holiday season with the spirit of giving, leaving more folks looking for opportunities to lend a helping hand! Will you join us this holiday season?
Summer Fun in Rainier Valley
Looking for a way to spend your downtime this summer? Plenty is happening around Rainier Valley, whether you like music, good food, or nature. You name it! Here is a list of budget-friendly activities you can check out with your family and friends in South Seattle.
Heroes Uncovered: LA’s Story
LA is undoubtedly one of our most well-known volunteers at RVFB, and if you ask our staff, he's definitely a part of our family. From filling our space with vibrant music, breaking down cardboard, and helping with our Grocery Rescue Program, LA jumps in wherever he can to help, saying hi to friends along the way and welcoming newcomers.
New things are brewing at RVFB
Rainier Valley Food Bank is excited to announce our latest partnership with Flying Lion Brewing.
This exclusive “RVFBrew #7” will be released on November 1st at Flying Lion Brewing (5041 Rainier Ave S #106, Seattle, WA 98118).
Kraken Community Event
On Friday, October 8th, Rainier Valley Food Bank had the opportunity to visit the Kraken Community Iceplex to watch the Kraken team practice before the season starts and a chalk talk with a Kraken coach. WaFd Bank presented us with a large (literally) check for $20,000.
How to Wear a Face Mask
A local South Seattle Girl Scout made this video for Rainier Valley Food Bank to train and educate our volunteers about mask use during COVID.
Her goal is to help get the facts straight about masks and get this info out to the public as much as possible.
From Farm to Food Bank
When most people envision food bank food, canned goods nearing their expiration date generally come to mind. Step foot into Rainier Valley Food Bank on any given day and that image evaporates. Hunger goes beyond people starving with not enough calories to consume. While there may be numerous corner stores offering canned soups for $0.60 a can, affordable options for local, chemical – free romaine, are harder to find.
#25daysofgratitude: Thank you CHOW DOWN Restaurants!
#25daysofgratitude post is dedicated to the restaurants that make our annual Chow Down fundraiser possible. Each summer restaurants and bars in Columbia City and Hillman City provide quick, tasty bites for food adoring participants. Folks are able to partake in this delicious culinary adventure by purchasing a passport that is stamped at each location in exchange for an iconic bite. These passport sales directly benefit Rainier Valley Food Bank and highlight the unique and vibrant culinary culture of South Seattle.
Boy Meets Food Bank
Hao first came to RVFB when his grandmother, Chi Lai, told his mother that he should volunteer to practice his English. Chi Lai and her husband came to the US as refugees when the South Vietnam Government collapsed. In 2014, Hao, Vy and their mother emigrated from Vietnam to join their father and grandparents in Seattle.
#MunchMadness
Even if you are not the world’s biggest sports fan you have surly heard of March Madness, the catchy name used for college basketball’s playoff tournament. Some of us are decked out in our college apparel right down to our underwear, while others can’t even name more than two Washington schools (University of Washington and what’s that other one called?) No matter what kind of fan you are there is no denying how fun it can be to get a burger, some beer and yell silly things at the TV for an hour or so.
That’s why The Rainier Valley Food Bank is once again partnering with Rookies Sports Bar and Grill to bring you #MunchMadness!!!
Running all the way to the Food Bank
Shelly started volunteering at the food bank in early 2015. She came in once a week to help out with data entry, and always had a friendly story to tell. Shelly is new to running but she decided this year to run the Seattle Half Marathon and raise money for the Rainier Valley Food Bank. Running this distance and fundraising are two things she has never done before. By her own admission, it makes her nervous but she is determined to succeed!

