Rainier Valley Food Bank Celebrates Expansion into Community Food Hub
Photos: Rainier Valley Food Bank
The Rainier Valley Food Bank (RVFB) recently held a celebration to mark the beginning of renovations that will transform the existing food bank building into an expanded Community Food Hub. The renovations, slated for completion in Fall 2025, will enable RVFB to serve more people in the area's most diverse neighborhood with nutritious, culturally relevant food and expanded access to partner services.
Executive Director Gloria Hatcher-Mays expressed her excitement about the project, emphasizing the food bank's long-standing commitment to the community. The Community Food Hub will feature a commercial kitchen, new storage space, grocery store-style distribution, a community garden, and gathering spaces for partner organizations.
Food Services Manager Otis Pimpleton, who has been with RVFB for 11 years, has witnessed the organization's growth firsthand. He sees the new building as a place to serve guests with dignity and provide meaningful purpose for staff and volunteers.
The celebration included a ceremonial planting of a fruit cocktail tree, symbolizing RVFB's commitment to nutrition and growth. Performances by the Mak Fai Chinese Lion Dancers and Red Eagle Soaring Native Youth Theater added to the festivities.
Even as the pandemic has slowed, the need for RVFB's services remains high. One in four people in southeast Seattle is food insecure, and nearly 80% of children in the area qualify for free and reduced-price school meals.
The RVFB Community Food Hub aims to address these needs by providing a welcoming and supportive environment where people can access food, services, and community.
