Eloise’s cooking pots help fight food insecurity at Pierce Co.
During the holidays, many people take time to practice charity and goodwill, but for Eloise’s Cooking Pot, every day is an opportunity to help those in need.
TACOMA, Wash. – As food prices continue to rise, food banks are struggling to cover the costs of helping people, including the largest food bank in Pierce County.
During the holidays, many people spend time practicing charity and goodwill. But for the so-called food bank Eloise’s cooking potEvery day is an opportunity to help someone in need.
Ahndrea Blue has run Eloise’s Cooking Pot since 2010. The name comes from Ahndrea’s grandmother, who always made sure everyone around her was well fed.
“At a black grandmother’s house, you can always get a free meal at their house. No matter what, they always have dinner on the table at 3 o’clock and anyone passing by is allowed to eat at that table,” said Blue, CEO of the Make a Difference Foundation.
Since then, Eloise’s Cooking Pot has grown into the largest food bank in Pierce County, serving about 70,000 people each month.
Ahndrea said she was inspired to start the food bank after seeing a need in the McKinley area of Tacoma but said that need remains unmet.
“We thought it was temporary, but 15 years later, we’re still here. The need for food is so great, Eloise is in a food desert, there are no grocery stores within two to three miles of it,” Blue said.
Ahndrea also said rising costs have made it more difficult to serve the residents who come to her for help, who are trying to find ways to do more with fewer resources.
“The support of the people’s government has been cut, along with increased rent and food costs. Food now costs three times more than before the Covid-19 epidemic,” Blue said.
But despite the new challenges, Ahndrea remains committed to ensuring people in Tacoma and Pierce County have enough to eat.
“It’s very important that people can eat the foods they usually eat. They have the right to eat the food they usually eat,” Blue said.
Help KING 5 donate 23 million meals to Home Team Harvest
KING 5’s annual Home Team Harvest to benefit Northwest Harvest is underway. This year’s goal is to provide 23 million meals.
- Online through the Northwest harvest
- Visit your local Safeway or Albertsons to donate a $5, $10 or $12 grocery card.
- Donate in person at two locations on December 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m
Rainier Safeway: 9262 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118
Everett Safeway: 5802 134th Place SE, Everett, WA 98208
Watch Home Team Harvest’s special broadcast on December 2 at 10 a.m. on KING 5, KING5.com and KING 5+.