Counselor's Corner: Holiday Gifts and Food Support Resources

Picture of Celina Schulenberg, Counselor

Nov 20 2025

Community Resource List

2-1-1 Community Resource Line
A good starting point for families seeking housing, shelter, financial assistance, and basic needs support. 2-1-1 can provide the most updated information on local availability, openings, and referrals, as this often changes daily.

Families can call 2-1-1 or visit: https://wa211.org.

Food:

Issaquah Food Bank

In-person market and express shopping service is available two weeks each month.

You can find detailed schedules and hours on our website.

If you need additional food on weeks when regular shopping is not open, you can access our Emergency Food Service, which includes a prepacked produce bag and dry goods box.

When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 12:00–4:00 PM

Where: Issaquah Food Bank, 179 1^st Avenue SE, Issaquah, WA 98027

How: Ring the doorbell and you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hopelink Food Programs: Due to the many hardships our community members are facing, starting on Monday, Nov. 3, Hopelink will provide additional food during visits to Hopelink Food Markets. If you have any questions or would like to enroll in the Hopelink Food Program to shop for free groceries, please call your nearest Hopelink Center. For additional food resources, please click here.

Hopelink Mobile Market Schedule - Nov Schedule The Mobile Market distributes an assortment of food in targeted areas to people experiencing food insecurity throughout east King County. Shoppers can access fresh, locally grown produce including seasonal fruits and vegetables along with self-stable foods like peanut butter, pastas, soups, beans, and rice. When available, there are also fresh dairy products and frozen meats. Don’t forget your reusable bag!

Hopelink – Bellevue Market and Service Center

Address: 14812 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98007

Phone: 425-943-7555

Website: Food Program - Hopelink

Renewal Food Bank

Address: Highland Covenant Church, 15022 Bel-Red Rd., Bellevue, WA 98007

Phone: 425-736-8132

Website: https://renewalfoodbank.org/

Hopelink – Kirkland/Northshore Market and Service Center

Address: 11011 120th Ave. NE, Kirkland, Washington 98033

Phone: 425-889-7880 Website: Food Program - Hopelink

Hopelink –Redmond Market and Service Center

Address: 8990 154th Avenue Northeast Redmond, Washington 98052

Phone: 425-869-6000

Website: Food Program - Hopelink

Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank

Address: 122 East 3rd Street North Bend, WA 98045

Phone: 425-888-7832

Website: https://www.snoqualmievalleyfoodbank.org/

Hopelink – Sno-Valley Market and Service Center

Address: 31957 East Commercial St Carnation, Washington 98014

Phone: 425-333-4163

Website: Food Program - Hopelink

St. Stephen Food Pantry

Address: 13055 SE 192nd St, Renton, WA 98058, USA

Phone: (253) 631-1940

Website: St. Stephens Food Bank

Renton Salvation Army

Address: 206 South Tobin Street Renton WA 98057

Phone: (425) 255 - 5969

Website: Renton Salvation Army

Sustainable Renton

List of local food resources including Meal programs as well as food pantries and food banks.

Hopelink Additional Food Resources This page list highlights community partners and businesses across our region who are here to support you and your loved ones. Each organization offers food resources to help ease the challenges many of us may be facing this season. We know this time can be difficult, and you are not alone — help is available. Please note that some partners are experiencing high demand, so availability may vary. We encourage you to contact each organization directly for the most current information. This list includes partners and businesses that serve communities across King County as well as those located in Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, Shoreline, Issaquah, Snoqualmie Valley, and Seattle. We will continue to update this list as more resources become available.

Holiday Food and Gift Programs:

Eastridge Church Free Turkey and Grocery Giveaway! (Nov. 22)
- https://www.eastridgetoday.com/ministries/upcoming-events/turkey/

Sammamish YMCA Holiday giving program – see the letter at the bottom of this information
- The Sammamish YMCA has decided to host a Holiday Giving Tree Program this holiday season. They hope to provide holiday gifts for families who might be having challenges at this time.

Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank Gift Barn

Holiday Gifts program brings a little more holiday joy for families and helps reduce some of the financial burden of the shopping season – provides gift cards for families.

King County and Seattle Christmas and free holiday assistance programs: https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/king_county_christmas_and_holi.html

Hot Meal Programs:

Issaquah Meals Program

Available 7 days/week, 365 days/year, providing a free hot meal at the Issaquah Community Hall. All are welcome, no registration needed.

Address: 180 E. Sunset Way, Issaquah, next to the fire station

Mon - Fri is coordinated by Catholic Community Services, and Weekends are coordinated by a community volunteer.

Monday - Friday: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Saturday: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Sunday: 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Eastside Salvation Army Meal Program

Eastside Salvation Army is currently offering a hybrid, dine-in and take-out program. Dine with the community from 5:30-6:30pm and/or take your meal to-go from 6-7pm Monday to Friday.

Address: 911 164th Ave NE, Bellevue, Washington 98008

Phone: 425-452-7300

Website: Cure Hunger - Eastside Corps

Catholic Community Services Issaquah Meals Program

Address: Monday – Friday 5:00 p.m.

180 E. Sunset Way

Issaquah, WA 98027

(Next to the fire station)

Phone: (425) 679-0342

Website: Issaquah Meals | Catholic Community Services of Western Washington

Reach Renton

Address: 100 Mill Ave S, Renton, WA 98057

Phone: (425) 321-8327

Website: Community Cafe

The Table - Free community meal every Saturday 8AM to 10AM @ Luther’s Table: 419 S 2nd St, Suite 1 Renton, WA 98057 FLYER IN ENGLISH

Additional Food Resources:

King County VSHSL: map of Food Pantries/Banks outside Seattle.

Public Health – Seattle & King County Statement: Over 100 community food resources are available in King County King County is home to more than 50 neighborhood food pantries and 50 meal programs. These vital services are designed to meet different needs: Food pantries are set up like grocery stores, allowing shoppers to choose the items they need most. Meal programs offer hot, prepared meals in a restaurant-style setting. If you’re unsure where to go, you can find a location on this map.

Food Lifeline: Find a food bank near you HERE

NW Harvest SNAP, Shutdown: What You Need to Know—and Do - As the government shutdown continues and new SNAP restrictions take effect Nov. 1, 40 million Americans now face uncertainty around food access. At Northwest Harvest, we believe food is a human right — and we’re committed to helping Washington communities navigate this moment with clarity, compassion, and action.

WA Dept of Agriculture: If you need help getting food, visit wa211.org or agr.wa.gov/foodnearyou to find a hunger relief organization in your area.

DoorDash is waiving one delivery fee for customers with SNAP: https://about.doordash.com/en-us/news/snap-shutdown-announcement

For participants of Medicaid and Medicare, there may be programs that offer monthly allowances for food or over-the-counter items. These benefits depend on your level of Medicaid. For more information, contact Dave Johnson at 206.618.6820 or at dave.healthplans@gmail.com

Eastridge Church –

Free Turkey & bag of groceries while supplies last for Thanksgiving meal. No proof of need is required Turkey Giveaway - Eastridge Church

Department of Social & Health Services Mobile Office at Issaquah Food Bank
Tuesday, November 4 (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Each DSHS Mobile Office is staffed by specialists who can determine people’s eligibility for state and federal medical, cash, and food assistance programs.

The DSHS team processes new applications, case reviews, changes, EBT card requests, and required documents.

Housing:

Affordable Housing Online Search

https://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Washington/Issaquah

ARCH Housing resources

https://www.archhousing.org/renter-resources

Catholic Community Services of Western Washington, King County:

206-323-6336

https://ccsww.org/our-services/king-county/

Hope Link-Housing

https://www.hopelink.org/programs/housing/

Imagine Housing