Helping Hands Food Bank at Inspire Church will celebrate its third anniversary in La Conner this October, marking three years of providing support to families facing food insecurity.
“The need is larger than we thought.”
Pastor Doug York
The food bank, located at Inspire Church on Snee-Oosh Road, distributes food from 2-5 p.m. Thursdays and now serves between 40 and 70 families each week.
Pastor Doug York said the church will decorate to highlight the milestone. “We’ll have some balloons and things, anything that will help give encouragement to people to come in.”
Since opening in October 2022, Helping Hands has joined the La Conner Sunrise Food Bank and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community nutrition programs in addressing growing local demand.
“The need is larger than we thought,” York noted. “Actually, it has exceeded my expectations.”
The La Conner location was a natural fit, York explained, since the Sedro-Woolley–based nonprofit had already partnered with Skagit County Fire District 13 on service projects and operates at other Inspire Church sites. At the Snee-Oosh Road food bank, visitors browse inside and select food items. York believes the approach helps fulfill the group’s goal of increasing access.
“People feel comfortable. It’s been good,” he said.
Helping Hands places no eligibility requirements on its services, ensuring open access to anyone in need. According to its website, the nonprofit also works with local farmers, manufacturers, and retailers to keep unwanted food from landfills. Staff members participate in grocery rescue efforts with Walmart, Target, Haggen, Fred Meyer, Costco, and other retailers. Helping Hands also uses the We Feed Grant to purchase fruits, vegetables, and milk directly from local farmers.
Learn more at https://helpinghandsskagit.org.
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.
