Summer is almost here, and for many of us, that means warmer days, berry picking, backyard barbecues, and time with family — and at the Sequim Food Bank, it means preparation.

When school lets out, thousands of children across Clallam County lose access to the free and reduced-price meals they rely on. That creates a hunger gap, and for families with tight budgets, it can be a heavy burden. For us, it means stepping up to meet that need head-on.

That’s why we’re once again rallying the community for one of our most meaningful events of the year: the Peanut Butter Drive, June 20–22 outside Safeway, QFC, and Walmart in Sequim.

Why peanut butter? It’s a kid-friendly, protein-packed staple that doesn’t require refrigeration and fits into many meals and snacks. One mom recently shared, “In the summer, my kids have what I call hollow leg syndrome — they’re always hungry. Peanut butter is my go-to. It goes with bananas, bread, celery… it’s healthy and keeps them going. When I get it from the food bank, I don’t have to ration it — I can feed my kids what they need.”

This June, our goal is to collect 5,000 jars in one weekend, and we know we can get there with your help.

Volunteers will be outside all three grocery stores, inviting shoppers to grab an extra jar or two. Just drop off your donation with a volunteer as you leave. It’s a simple, powerful way to ensure local kids have what they need this summer.

It’s easy to underestimate the impact of a single jar, but jar by jar, neighbor by neighbor, it becomes a powerful act of collective care.

On the Move

The Peanut Butter Drive is just one way we’re addressing summer hunger. Our new Mobile Food Pantry Pro-gram, launch-ed this spring, is already making a big difference.

Transportation can be a major barrier, especially in rural areas like ours, so we’re bringing food directly into neighborhoods that need it most. Each week, our mobile pantry sets up at sites across Eastern Clallam County, including Elk Creek Apartments, The Vintage Apartments, Suncrest Retirement Village, Dungeness Community Church, and Olympic Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

We bring bins and coolers stocked with fresh produce, pantry staples, dairy, protein, and more. Visitors select what works best for their households — no pre-boxed surprises. This choice-based model reduces waste, increases dignity, and helps families take home food they’ll actually use.

Our mobile pantry coordinator says, “At senior apartment sites, people light up. They tell us, ‘This is the first time in years I’ve picked out my own groceries.’ For those who can’t drive, having a market come to them is everything.”

One visitor shared, “Caring for my husband with dementia takes everything I have. I bring him to a support group at church, and while he’s there, I visit the Mobile Food Pantry right in the parking lot. It’s a blessing — I don’t have to choose between food and his care.”

In just weeks, the program has helped dozens of new households — and we’re just getting started. We plan to expand to more locations with community partners, volunteers, and funding support.

More Ways to Help

If you want to support the Sequim Food Bank this summer, here are some simple ways to get involved:

• Donate a jar (or a case!) of peanut butter during the Peanut Butter Drive, June 20–22

• Form a Full Pantry Project team to collect most-needed items monthly

• Become a monthly donor — even $10/month helps us plan and purchase supplies

• Volunteer with our mobile pantry, warehouse, or weekly distribution team

• Follow us on social media and share our posts

Every action adds up. Whether handing a jar of peanut butter to a volunteer, helping at a mobile site, or becoming a sustaining donor, you’re ensuring no one in our community goes hungry — this summer or any time.

We’re growing, together

The story of the Sequim Food Bank is rooted in community — neighbors who care enough to show up, week after week, season after season. It’s rooted in the belief that no one should face hunger alone.

This summer, I invite you to be part of that story. Be part of the drive. Be part of the movement. Be part of the solution.

To learn more or get involved, visit sequimfoodbank.org, email info@sequimfoodbank.org, or stop by during open hours. We’d love to welcome you.

We’re here together — and we’re here because of you.

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Andra Smith is executive director of the Sequim Food Bank