Story & Photos by Kat Harttrup
UW News Lab
On January 16, 2025, the White Center Food Bank celebrated Lunar New Year with an open house filled with music and tradition.
The food bank, located at 10016 16th Ave SW, is dedicated to helping people in need. While their main mission is to provide food, events like the Lunar New Year gathering help attract visitors and foster community spirit.
Executive Director Carmen Smith noted, “Lunar New Year is significant for many of our customers. A few years ago, we started offering special foods. Now, we open our doors to all families, whether they celebrate or not.”
For this celebration, the food bank provided traditional ingredients like rice flour, bok choy, rice noodles, and specific meats and oils. They also highlight other cultural events, offering specific foods for Ramadan, Cambodian New Year, and Thanksgiving.
“Food connects us and helps build community,” Smith said.
Volunteers play a crucial role at the food bank. Long-time volunteer Ann Martin explained that language barriers can make it hard for some people to ask for help. To assist, the food bank offers services in nine languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, and Arabic.
The food bank also collaborates with local grocery stores to distribute vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables. Martin mentioned that customers often take home 10-15 pounds of produce each week.
In January 2024, the food bank opened a new $8.6 million facility. They have raised $7.6 million so far and aim to complete their capital campaign by year-end.
Development and Communications Director Jefferson Rose explained that the Lunar New Year event is not a fundraiser but a way to build community and show appreciation to donors. It also helps reduce the stigma around using food banks and lets more people know they are available.
Unlike traditional food banks, customers here can choose their groceries as if they were shopping normally. They even have a say in the produce stocked. Robert Fuentes, the Development and Events Coordinator, emphasized the food bank’s goal of being a welcoming community space.
Additionally, the food bank is working to strengthen ties with local businesses. They host a summer event called Taste of White Center, where restaurants create small tasting plates supported by sponsorships. The first event in 2022 was so successful that they closed the street for the next one, featuring 40 restaurants last year.
While the events are enjoyable, the food bank’s focus remains on supporting families in need. Even during celebrations, the organization prioritizes ensuring help is available for those who might arrive seeking assistance.
Smith said, “If someone came by tonight needing food, we would absolutely provide groceries for their family.”
Participants from the Rat City Art Walk demonstrated traditional fruit carving, creating a snake to celebrate the year of the snake. (Photo Credit: Kat Harttrup)
The fruit carving demonstration also included a beautiful bouquet to accompany the snake. (Photo Credit: Kat Harttrup)
A local band performed lively music, entertaining the crowd throughout the event. (Photo Credit: Kat Harttrup)
Key volunteers, Ann Martin and Abbas Alkinani, along with board treasurer Amy French, proudly display the high-quality produce available to customers. (Photo Credit: Kat Harttrup)
University of Washington’s News Lab gives students in advanced Journalism and Public Interest Communication the chance to build their portfolios by collaborating with local news outlets.
