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 featuring a live band. This event took place in their recently renovated building at 10016 16th Ave SW. While their main mission is to provide food to those in need, this celebration helps bring the community together.
“Lunar New Year is a big deal for many of our clients,” said Executive Director Carmen Smith. “We started offering special foods for the holiday a few years ago, and now we welcome all families, regardless of their traditions.”
To honor the holiday, the food bank provided traditional foods like rice flour, bok choy, rice noodles, and various meats. They also cater to other cultural events, including Ramadan, Cambodian New Year, Juneteenth, and Thanksgiving.
“Food brings people together. It’s a way to build community,” Smith added.
Volunteers play a crucial role at the food bank. Many have been involved for years, building strong relationships within the community. Longtime volunteer Ann Martin highlighted the challenges faced by non-English speakers seeking help. The food bank offers services in nine languages, including Spanish and Vietnamese.
The food bank focuses on getting fresh produce to families in need. They collaborate with local grocery stores to provide vouchers, ensuring that customers receive 10-15 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables each week.
In January 2024, the food bank unveiled a new $8.6 million facility. So far, they’ve raised $7.6 million and are working to gather the remaining $1 million for their capital campaign, which ends this year.
The Lunar New Year event is not just a fundraiser; it’s a way to build community ties and encourage new donors. “We want to reduce the stigma around food bank use,” said Development Director Jefferson Rose. The open house allows them to reach more families needing assistance.
At the food bank, customers are not just handed random boxes of food. Instead, they shop through a store-like setting, choosing items that suit their families. Customers even have a say in selecting some of the produce available.
“We want the food bank to feel like a community center,” said Development Coordinator Robert Fuentes. “It should be a welcoming space for everyone.”
Along with their events, the food bank is also fostering connections with local businesses. They host a summer event called “Taste of White Center,” where local restaurants prepare small tasting plates for attendees. After a successful inaugural event in 2022, they closed off a street for the event the following year, attracting 40 participating restaurants.
While these events are fun, the food bank’s main focus remains on helping families. Even during the Lunar New Year celebration, Smith emphasized their commitment to aid anyone in need who might arrive at their doors that evening.
“The grocery store is closed for the night, but if someone needs food, we’re ready to help,” she stated.
Participants from the Rat City Art Walk demonstrated traditional fruit carving to celebrate the Lunar New Year. (Photo Credit: Kat Harttrup)
A traditional fruit carving bouquet, created to celebrate the Lunar New Year. (Photo Credit: Kat Harttrup)
Local musicians performed at the event, entertaining visitors with lively songs. (Photo Credit: Kat Harttrup)
Some key members of the White Center Food Bank team, showcasing the quality of their produce. (Photo Credit: Kat Harttrup)
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