Feeding the Hungry
Addison's Story
“Addison” never lost hope. Despite the years of abuse, homelessness, and drug use – she never gave up on herself. She had a challenging childhood, eventually she landed in foster care, and lived with various foster families until she was 15 years old, when she ran away and began hitch-hiking throughout the country.
Desperate for food, a friend suggested that she visit The Salvation Army food bank in Renton, WA. She reluctantly visited the food bank, and recalls that “I didn’t want anyone to look at me. I was so embarrassed.” She was surprised when the staff welcomed her and treated her with respect. The food bank continued to be resource for her, despite her homelessness and addiction.
Over time, she became pregnant, which was a turning point in her life. She fled her abusive boyfriend, and stopped using drugs and alcohol. She enrolled in a program to earn her GED, which led to an internship at the very Salvation Army food bank that had helped her.
Today, Addison has transitioned from the internship to full-time employment. Looking back on her difficult years, she says, “I never knew how I would make it, but I always knew that I would.”
The Salvation Army helps cure hunger daily by providing nutritious meals to anyone in need. This includes homeless people of all ages, as well as individuals and families who may be down on their luck and in need of some extra assistance. We provide food through various programs, including soup kitchens, sit-down meal programs, food pantries, mobile meals, and community gardens.
Food Pantries: By offering access to free fresh produce and canned goods, we provide valuable meal supplementation while helping those in need maintain their independence and dignity.
Meal Programs: Feeding programs across our hundreds of shelters and residential facilities help ensure that the most vulnerable members of society do not go hungry. From sit-down programs that provide nutritious, hot meals and valuable human interaction, and mobile meals that deliver much-needed sustenance to those who cannot reach a food distribution center.