Bartell Drugs collects food for people in need

SEATTLE A regional retail pharmacy chain has collected enough food for more than 15,000 meals for people in need.

Bartell Drugs announced Thursday that its “Stock the Pantry” food drive, which it had conducted with Northwest Harvest and Fisher Communications, had collected 16,767 pounds of food through the chain’s 55 stores in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

“Year-around hunger is an unfortunate reality for many children and their families, as well as many seniors,” Bartell chairman and CEO George Bartell said. “Through the generous contributions by our customers, we’re proud to support Northwest Harvest with this effort.

The food drive was launched in May as a way to help Northwest Harvest replenish its food stocks during the summer months.