Last year, we finally did it — elbow to merry elbow with dozens of other families at Geraldine’s Counter, which has hosted Rainier Valley Food Bank’s annual holiday cooking decorating party every year since it started back in 2008. Cookie decorating has never been a big thing in my family. Every year when the holidays roll around, it’s always been something we mean to do but never seem to squeeze in.

In the weeks since we lost a treasured friend this summer, we have been humbled by the outpouring of generosity Patrice Benson’s loved ones have given to Rainier Valley Food Bank.

One of Patrice’s final wishes, as she waged a fiercely courageous but all-too-brief battle with cancer, was for people to donate to the food bank rather than sending her family flowers after she died.

RVFB recently hosted a workshop on Gathering Wild Edibles, hosted by Roger and Linda Urbaniak. Roger and Linda are self proclaimed “weirdos” — much of their diet is comprised of foraged bounty. What some consider “weeds” may be dinner for others!

For the first time ever, Seattle Marathon is offering free registration for anyone who raises at least $300 for Rainier Valley Food Bank! Join our Team Feed crew, and run the full or half marathon on Nov. 25 for a great cause! Every dollar you raise will help us feed 11,000 people each month.

Sam Osborne, RVFB Executive Director, bestows his wow-worthy recipe! This will surely make nice with your neighbors!

Today, every dollar you donate through The Seattle Foundation will be matched by a pool of sponsors, including some of the region’s most generous givers. Spring is the time of year when food banks across the country see a dip in donations. There’s no better time to help us and your community.

Rainier Valley Food Bank first opened its doors as “Northwest Community Services” on May 1st, 1991. Since our humble beginnings as an all volunteer-run grassroots food pantry serving 50 to 100 households a month, we have come a loooong way, baby!

As you think hard about the money you spend to feed yourself, consider giving what you can to help Rainier Valley Food Bank provide fresh, nutritious food to 11,000 neighbors every month. Match your Hunger Challenge food budget with a donation, and we’ll stretch every dollar you donate into $12 worth of food.