SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Food banks across the region emphasize that families should never have to go hungry. Various food banks and pantries, along with supporting organizations, are working together through a strong network to ensure assistance is available.
Cal Coblentz, CEO of Partners Inland Northwest, explained the scope of the network.
“So there are 21 pantries in the Spokane County emergency food assistance program network, which is funded by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. So this network of pantries works together in concert, we help each other,” Coblentz said.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) network is not just about connecting pantries; it also coordinates the movement of food and resources efficiently.
“Partners Inland Northwest is the lead agency for the pantry network in Spokane County. So the funding and resources that are designated by the state for our county we manage, and then we help support all of the pantries,” Coblentz said.
Only a few pantries are open daily. Most, especially those in rural areas, operate just one or two days a week. Lora Benzinger, director at the North County Food Pantry in Elk, highlighted that even when closed, help is still available.
Benzinger emphasized the importance of the Partners Inland Northwest website, which lists food banks and services within the EFAP program to connect families to pantries open that day.
According to the Washington Economic Justice Alliance, 9.5% of Washington households experienced food insecurity in 2023, and the number is rising.
Coblentz finished by sharing how families can access available resources.
“If they look at our website or Second Harvest’s website, they’re gonna be able to see all of the pantries that are receiving food either from us or Second Harvest,” Coblentz said.
Whether a nearby pantry is open or closed, the network ensures that families can always find support.
You can find food assistance through Partners Inland Northwest’s online list available through the link below:
https://www.partnersinw.org/other-food-banks
