Lynnwood organizations launch citywide food drive for culturally relevant foods

EVERETT — Edmonds College, the city of Lynnwood and local community leaders are partnering to launch a citywide food drive for the month of February.

Partner Lynnwood — a collaborative network between the college, city and community — aims to stock local pantries and food banks with nutritious, shelf-stable and culturally relevant foods.

“The Lynnwood Cares Food Drive is our collective answer to how we can support our diverse community in a tangible, meaningful way,” Edmonds College President Amit Singh said in a press release Tuesday.

Donations will go toward the Edmonds College Food Pantry, Lynnwood Food Bank, Washington West African Center and the Edmonds School District Foundation’s Nourishing Network.

“Food insecurity is a critical issue affecting our community,” Lynnwood Mayor George Hurst said in the release. “The Lynnwood Cares Food Drive is a powerful demonstration of how we can unite to tackle urgent challenges like hunger. Your donations are vital to help ensure that none of our neighbors or friends go hungry.”

The Lynnwood Cares website has a list of culturally relevant food and places to buy certain items. High-priority items across all cuisines include:

• Long-grain rices, including basmati and jasmine

• Flour, including all-purpose, whole wheat, masa, corn, teff and shiro

• Dried beans

• Canned tomato products, such as paste, sauce, diced tomatoes

• Cooking oils, including canola, vegetable, palm, sunflower and sesame

• Spices, including garlic, ginger, cumin, turmeric and paprika

• Shelf-stable coconut milk

The organization’s website also has an interactive map of drop-off locations throughout the city. The locations are:

• Edmonds College Makerspace at Monroe Hall, 6606 196th St. SW (3-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday only)

• Edmonds College Triton Espresso at Mountlake Terrace Hall, 200th St. SW

• Verdant Health Commission, 4710 196th St. SW