These are are most frequently asked questions about the Thurston County Food Bank. You may filter the view by clicking a category in the row below.
Yes, our Other Bank Program provides household and personal care items once a month at our Pantries. In addition, “Partial Other Bank” items are distributed on an as-available basis during Full Visits.
Our Summer Lunch Program distributes healthy sack lunches and snacks to children age 18 and under during the summer when school lunches are not available.
Cans and dry goods as well as personal care and household items must be unopened, in the original packaging and commercially produced and packaged. We cannot accept pre-cooked or home-cooked food.
Diapers and baby food are distributed (when available) at our Olympia and Lacey Food Pantries. In addition, The Baby Bank, the Family Support Center of South Sound, Family Education and Support Services and Dry Tikes and Wet Wipes provide resources. Check in with our Client Services staff for more information.
Yes. When available, baby food including veggies, fruits, meats, cereals and snacks is offered to clients at a Full Visit. Additionally, a variety of baby and toddler formula may be available to clients at both Full and Supplemental visits. If you are expecting or have a newborn, you can receive a Newborn Bag with essential and handmade items!
Yes. Click below for our volunteer basics page, where regular volunteer shift locations for individuals are listed. Choose the location(s) and schedule that fit your needs and Sign Up or reach out to a Volunteer Coordinator!
We do our best to match volunteers with their preferred tasks and ask for your flexibility to meet our needs.
Regular volunteer shifts are scheduled Monday through Friday at various times and Thurston County Food Bank locations. There are also special programs and events at other times and alternate locations.
Yes, proceeds from the sale of vehicles, trucks, RVs, boats, and motorcycles can be donated through our partnership with Arc Thrift Stores, a nonprofit charity program.
Yes, in most cases USDA states that canned and dry goods can last indefinitely; our standard and request is no more than 3 years past date.
We’re sorry, but we cannot accept pre-cooked or home-cooked food. Cans and dry goods must be unopened, in their original packaging, and commercially produced and packaged.
Yes. We have a Home Delivery Program specifically for adults age 60 or older who qualify for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
Yes. They will need to provide a photo ID (or copy) and a dated note from you each time.
No. You do not have to live in any specific county or city to receive our services. No one will be turned away regardless of where you live, with or without an address.
Yes, in the form of contracts and grants, but the majority of our funding comes from individual donors.
The Food Bank works closely with local schools in the Olympia, Tumwater, North Thurston, Griffin school districts and Wa He Lut Indian School to provide students with food to take home over the weekend. Please contact your child’s school if you would like to receive a FORKids weekend meal bag.
We can provide you with collection containers and a scheduled pickup. Whether you choose to run a general or themed drive, you can find flyers of most needed items by program on our Coordinating a Drive page.
We accept cash, checks, and money orders. Donation options include payroll deductions, online bill paying, using a credit card through our online service provider, and more.
All new and returning volunteers must complete our online application one time.
Each household may make 2 Full Visits per month and 1 Supplemental Visit per week.
Upon request, a 12-hour supply of emergency food may be available after regular distribution hours.
Yes. All Thurston County Food Bank services and locations are closed on the following recognized holidays: New Year’s Day • Martin Luther King Jr. Day • President’s Day • Memorial Day • Juneteenth • Independence Day • Labor Day • Veteran’s Day • Thanksgiving • Native American Heritage Day • Christmas
Some items are offered in unlimited quantities. For other items quantities are based on the number of people in your household and/or availability.
Volunteer orientations are not required, but we strongly encourage volunteers to attend an orientation prior to volunteering. Orientations are held on the first Wednesday of each month from 4:30–5:30 PM at our Lacey’s Food Pantry (7027 Martin Way E, Olympia, WA 98516).
Yes. CSFP is a case-managed federal program for seniors at least 60 years old that meet federal eligibility requirements. The amount of food is consistent from month-to-month and is offered in addition to our other services.
No, we are a private not-for-profit organization. We receive financial support through donations from generous community members and organizations, as well as funding from city, state and federal grants and private foundations. We also receive food and non-food donations from local retailers, social service partners and community member
For a list of most needed items,
Visits to the Food Bank are free of charge and there are no income guidelines to access regular services. No documentation is required. A photo ID is helpful, but not required.
Pre-packed boxes of food for preparing a holiday meal are distributed before Thanksgiving.
Parents with children age 12 and under may request a Birthday Bag to support a family celebration (in their birthday month) when they pick up groceries at the Food Bank.
Non-perishable canned and dry goods, frozen protein, fresh produce, bread and pastries, dairy, and deli when available. We also have baby food and formula and pet food.
As a volunteer-based organization there are numerous and varied tasks for individuals of all ages and abilities, including sorters, baggers, drivers, administrative, garden workers, gleaning, farm stand and a whole lot more.
We have two Food Pantries — one in Olympia and one in Lacey. We also distribute food to 18 Satellite locations that are operated in partnership with community organizations throughout the county, and 15 locations through our Mobile Program.
Click to view a map of all locations and distribution schedules and a calendar of services at our Food Pantries.
Individuals, families, and groups of all sizes who want to make a difference in their community and support our mission are welcomed as volunteers.
All the food donated by the community is date checked. USDA states that canned goods do not expire, but our standard is to provide food no more than 3 years past the “sell by” date.
