Bartell Drugs, Food Lifeline team up to fight hunger

SEATTLE — Regional pharmacy chain Bartell Drugs has announced that it is continuing its tradition of helping to fight hunger in the Puget Sound area with its “Bartell’s Community Food Drive,” a community partnership with Food Lifeline.

 

Now through June 27, Bartell Drugs locations throughout King, Pierce and Snohomish counties are accepting non-perishable food items to replenish local food banks in the summer months when families that normally depend on free or reduced-price school meals may struggle to provide healthy meals at home.

 

Suggested items to purchase for in-store donations include tuna, instant oatmeal, cereals, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, jam, cheese crackers, applesauce and canned fruit. 

 

Last year’s food drive generated more than 5,400 pounds of food donations — the rough equivalent of 4,520 meals.  According to the company, its food drives over the past five years have totaled more than 138,400 pounds of food donations. 

 

“For many families, dealing with food hardship is an ongoing challenge, and the need becomes more acute during the summer months when children are at home and school programs are not available,” Bartell Drugs chairman George Bartell said. “With the support of our customers, we hope to fill a very important need in the communities we serve.”