Food Assistance

Vancouver-Based Food Programs and Resources:

• Free Hot Soup: Free Hot Soup brings warmth and nourishment to Vancouver neighbors experiencing homelessness through community-powered meals. This compassionate volunteer collective rescues food that would otherwise go to waste, transforming donations into nutritious meals served outdoors every Wednesday and Saturday at 4:30pm. Starting at Esther Short Park before moving to nearby locations, this non-religious, non-political group ensures everyone has access to a hot meal regardless of their situation.

• Urban Abundance: A grassroots organization founded in Vancouver, WA in 2010, Urban Abundance has a vision to make fresh, local food accessible to all with the intent of no food going to waste. Engaging with the community to collect home-grown food, expanding public spaces for community agriculture, and sharing surplus through a group of volunteers with minds for harvesting and urban gardening.

• Vancouver Free Fridge Project: Creating 24/7 food access points throughout the community, allowing anyone to receive fresh groceries with dignity and without questions. This grassroots mutual aid network maintains three locations where neighbors can take what they need and leave what they can, creating sustainable food sharing that works outside traditional systems. The volunteer-driven project welcomes community members to participate in maintaining these vital food resources that help combat hunger in Vancouver.

  
  

• Share Backpack Program: The Share Backpack Program ensures Clark County students don't face empty pantries at home, serving 90 schools through complementary nutrition initiatives. Alongside Kid-Friendly Food Boxes and Fresh Food Pantries, the program delivers essential ingredients for complete family meals directly through local schools. These carefully selected staples provide the foundation for nutritious dinners, helping families maintain food security and allowing children to focus on learning rather than hunger.

  
  

• Share Summer Meals Program: The Share Summer Meals Program bridges the nutrition gap for over 20,000 food-insecure children in Clark County when school meals aren't available. This federally funded initiative serves free, nutritious meals to all youth 18 and under throughout summer break in accessible neighborhood locations. By providing consistent access to quality food during vacation months, the program supports proper development, maintains energy levels, and ensures children return to school healthy and ready to learn.

  
  

• FISH of Vancouver: FISH of Vancouver provides nutritionally-balanced food boxes to anyone expressing need, supporting the foundation of community health and wellbeing. This crucial service understands that proper nutrition helps infants develop appropriately, enables students to succeed academically, and helps seniors maintain health independence. By offering quality ingredients without charge, FISH helps create stronger family bonds through shared meals while providing both essential nourishment and hope for a better tomorrow.

  
  

• Clark County SNAP Benefits: The SNAP food benefits program, known locally as Basic Food in Washington, helps families stretch their grocery budgets with monthly financial assistance. Eligible households receive a convenient EBT card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores and farmers markets, making nutritious food more accessible. The benefit amount adjusts based on family size, income, and essential expenses like housing and medical costs, ensuring personalized support. Recipients can also continue visiting local food pantries for additional assistance, creating a comprehensive approach to addressing food insecurity in Vancouver communities.