Expanding Our Food Pantry Through Community Partnerships

Thanks to a growing partnership with the Bishops’ Storehouse (through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), we’re expanding our outreach to clients and families served by LCSNW of the Tri-Cities. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our efforts to create stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.

Many youth in our programs face food insecurity, and having a food pantry at the Kennewick main office has served as an on-site resource for clients and their families receiving services, such as through our WISe (Wraparound with Intensive Services) and SWIFT (Stabilization and Wellness in Families Together) programs.

For three years, the Tri-Cities LCSNW food pantry has remained minimally stocked with non-perishable items provided through donations. We also have been fortunate to receive donations for LCSNW clients from local restaurant franchises, such as Starbucks and Pizza Hut, through the Food Donation Connection.

“We’re so grateful for the generous support of the Bishops’ Storehouse,” says Tri-Cities District Director Sharon Gentry. “Thanks to this partnership, we have an additional opportunity to offer our clients items that are harder to come by, such as milk, eggs, and fresh produce.”

At the start of 2025, Gentry set to work with Operations Coordinator Kayann Kirsch to accommodate this exciting development. Kirsch enlisted the help of several employees to relocate the existing food pantry from an office hallway to a larger, dedicated room within the Kennewick main building. The new space is now equipped with both a refrigerator and a freezer, allowing us to safely store perishable items received from donors such as the Bishops’ Storehouse.

This partnership is more than just a logistical arrangement; it is a shared commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families in our community. We invite you to support our efforts by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word about our mission of bringing health, justice, and hope to those who need it most.