How You Can Make a Difference: Supporting Local Food Banks on the Eastside and Beyond

In today’s market it matters more than ever to give back. Whether you’re closing a home, relocating, or simply looking for ways to engage with your community, supporting local food banks is a meaningful action that makes real impact. Here are some ways you can help — and a spotlight on several trusted food banks across the Eastside and Seattle region.

Why Food Banks Matter

Food banks serve as vital lifelines for individuals and families facing hardship — from job changes, rising costs of living, or unexpected financial strain. By donating, volunteering, or partnering locally, you help ensure our neighbors have access to essentials like healthy groceries, baby supplies and household basics.

Spotlight: Local Food Banks You Can Support

1. Renewal Food Bank (Bellevue)

• Address: 15022 NE Bel-Red Road, Bellevue, WA 98007

• Phone: 425-736-8132

• Website / Donate Info: renewalfoodbank.org

• What they need: Monetary donations are especially efficient — because they can purchase at special pricing, your cash donation can translate into significantly more grocery value. They also highlight diapers and baby supplies as high-impact items.

• Why donate: They serve East King County and provide a “grocery-style” model allowing clients to select items suited to their needs, including culturally relevant foods.

2. Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank (Issaquah)

• Address: 179 1st Ave SE, Issaquah, WA 98027

• Website: issaquahfoodbank.org

• What they need: Food and clothing donations; items such as staples, hygiene goods and children’s clothing often in demand.

• Why donate: They serve the broader Issaquah/East King County area and help families not just with groceries but with clothing support as well.

3. Mercer Island Youth & Family Services – Food Security Programs (Mercer Island)

• Website / Donation Info: miyfs.org

• What they need: Monetary donations, food cards, volunteer help.

• Why donate: In a smaller community setting like Mercer Island, your contribution is highly visible and helps maintain support where fewer resources may exist.

4. Helpline House (Bainbridge Island)

• Address: 901 Hildebrand Lane NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

• Website: helplinehouse.org

• What they need: Food and toiletry drives; support to keep their pantry robust year round.

• Why donate: Bainbridge Island is a distinct community — giving here supports island residents and helps maintain connection to local services.

5. Food Lifeline (Seattle / Regional)

• Address: 815 S 96th St, Seattle, WA 98108

• Website: foodlifeline.org

• What they need: Monetary donations, volunteers to help sort and pack bulk food donations.

• Why donate: This large regional organization distributes through 300+ partner agencies, meaning your donation has widespread ripple effects across King and surrounding counties.

Ways You Can Help

Here are practical ways you can get involved:

1. Make a financial donation — Monetary donations are often more efficient than purchasing items yourself because food banks can buy large quantities at discount.

2. Donate specific high-impact items — If you prefer to give goods, choose items often in shortage: diapers, baby supplies, cleaning products, high-protein canned goods, personal care items.

3. Volunteer your time — Many food banks need help with logistics, sorting donations, preparing food boxes, or outreach. Check each organization’s volunteer page for shifts and needs.

4. Host a collection drive — Whether at your work, a neighborhood collection, or friends' event, you can gather non-perishable items or funds and direct them to a local food bank.

5. Use your sphere of influence — Use your platforms. Mention the causes on your social media and at gatherings.

Why This Matters for Our Community

When our neighbors have access to food and basic supplies, the entire community benefits. Stability at home leads to better outcomes for children, less stress for families, and more vibrant neighborhoods — all of which support a healthier local real estate market. In short: doing good is also good for business indirectly.