Edmonds College Food Bank: Your Resource for Fighting Food Insecurity

We understand that academic success is harder on an empty stomach. The Edmonds College Food Bank is dedicated to ensuring every student and employee has access to nutritious food and essential personal care items, empowering you to focus on your studies and work without the worry of food insecurity.

Located in the Olympic Building on the Edmonds College campus, the Edmonds Food Bank is a free and confidential service available to all currently enrolled students and college employees facing challenges in accessing sufficient food. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment where everyone has the resources they need to thrive.

What the Edmonds Food Bank Offers

The Edmonds Food Bank provides a range of essential items to help bridge the gap for individuals experiencing food insecurity. When you visit the food bank, you can access a variety of non-perishable food items, carefully chosen to provide balanced and convenient meal options. These items typically include:

  • Canned Goods: Vegetables, fruits, soups, beans, and proteins like tuna and chicken.
  • Pasta and Grains: Pasta, rice, oatmeal, and cereal to form the basis of meals.
  • Dried Fruits and Nuts: Healthy and portable snacks for sustained energy.
  • Shelf-Stable Milk and Juices: Beverages that can be stored without refrigeration.
  • Personal Hygiene Supplies: Essential items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and menstrual products are also available to support overall well-being.

We also gratefully accept donations to keep our shelves stocked and continue serving our community. If you are interested in contributing, please visit our Donations Page for a list of most needed items and donation guidelines. Your generosity directly impacts our ability to support Edmonds College.

Accessing the Edmonds Food Bank: What You Need to Know

To ensure equitable access and efficient service, there are a few requirements for utilizing the Edmonds Food Bank:

  • EdPass Requirement: A current, physical EdPass is mandatory for every visit. This helps us verify that you are a currently enrolled student or employee of Edmonds College. Unfortunately, digital copies or photos of your EdPass cannot be accepted as we need to swipe the physical card for verification.
  • Weekly Limit: Individuals can access the food bank once per week. Please note that this limit does not include the Lynnwood Food Bank truck distributions that occur on Thursdays.
  • Personal Presence: To receive supplies, each person must be present. We are unable to provide food for individuals who are not present at the time of distribution.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with these guidelines, which help us serve as many members of the Edmonds College community as possible.

Edmonds Food Bank Hours of Operation

The Edmonds Food Bank operates during each academic quarter to align with the needs of our students and employees.

Winter 2025 Quarter Hours:

  • Tuesdays: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesdays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursdays: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Lynnwood Food Bank Truck on-site from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

For those needing additional food assistance beyond our operating hours, the Lynnwood Food Bank offers services at their location at 5320 176th Street SW in Lynnwood on Wednesdays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

*Please be aware that hours are subject to change. For emergency food access outside of these hours, or for information about Laundromat Vouchers, please contact Stewart Sinning at [email protected].

Volunteer Opportunities at the Edmonds Food Bank

The Edmonds Food Bank relies heavily on the dedication of volunteers to maintain its operations and serve the campus community effectively. Volunteering at the food bank is a rewarding way to give back, gain valuable experience, and connect with fellow students and staff.

Whether you are looking for a service project, extra-credit opportunities, a chance to make new friends, or simply a way to contribute to your community, the Edmonds Food Bank welcomes your help! Tasks may include stocking shelves, sorting donations, assisting clients, and helping with distributions.

Click here to fill out the Food Pantry Volunteer Interest form and become a vital part of our team.

Additional Support and Resources at Edmonds College

Edmonds College is committed to providing holistic support to our community members. Beyond the food bank, we offer several other resources to help students and employees thrive:

2-1-1 Community Resource Advocate

In partnership with Verdant Health Commission, Edmonds College hosts a 2-1-1 Community Resource Advocate (CRA) on campus. This bilingual (English/Spanish) advocate serves as a central point of contact, connecting South Snohomish County community members with a wide range of college and community resources. The 2-1-1 CRA can provide information and assistance with:

  • Rent and housing assistance
  • Job training and employment resources
  • Access to food and basic needs
  • Shelter options
  • Support groups and mental health services
  • And much more

The 2-1-1 CRA’s office is conveniently located in the Olympic Building, alongside the Edmonds Food Bank, making it easy to access both services in one visit. If you are facing an emergency, have multiple needs, or are unsure where to turn for help, the 2-1-1 CRA is here to assist you.

You can learn more about the services offered by viewing the Volunteers of America North Sound 2-1-1 brochure.

Lynnwood Food Bank Truck On-Campus Distribution

The Lynnwood Food Bank extends its support to Edmonds College through weekly on-campus distributions. Every Thursday* during each quarter, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the Lynnwood Food Bank truck visits the Olympic Building parking lot on the north side of campus. View the parking lot map here.

This mobile distribution provides a wide variety of food items, often including:

  • Canned and Dry Goods
  • Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
  • Bread and Pastries
  • Eggs
  • Potatoes and Onions
  • Meat and Protein
  • Snacks and more

This partnership with the Lynnwood Food Bank significantly expands the food assistance available to the Edmonds College community. For more information about the Lynnwood Food Bank and their services, you can visit their Facebook page.

Funding and Support for the Edmonds Food Bank

The Edmonds College Food Bank is made possible through the generous support of numerous organizations and individuals who are committed to addressing food insecurity within our campus community. Partial funding is provided by the Campus Green Fund, sponsored by the Associated Students of Edmonds College, which supports sustainability initiatives on campus.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our many supporters, including:

  • Edmonds College Foundation
  • Verdant Health Commission
  • Edmonds College Office of Equity and Inclusion
  • Lynnwood Food Bank
  • Edmonds Food Bank
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Garneau-Nicon Foundation
  • GloryLand Food Distribution
  • Just Like Home Laundromat
  • Local Union 4254
  • City of Lynnwood
  • Chef Dane
  • SSEH Grant
  • Farmer Frog
  • EC Merchant’s of Hope Club
  • Nourishing Network
  • And the many generous students, faculty, and staff of Edmonds College.

Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our Edmonds College community members, ensuring that everyone has the nourishment they need to succeed.

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