On Dec. 11 the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center partnered with The Mustard Seed Project, the Key Center Food Market and local volunteers to give away essential groceries as part of its effort to support rural area seniors. The groceries included non-perishables foods, and things like detergent, toilet paper and face masks.
ADRC partnered with Mustard Seed because of its existing system for seniors to pick up fresh produce every Friday. Key Center Food Market was chosen so as to keep the funds for the grocery purchase local, and was very responsive and quick to help with the large quantities required.
Students from Key Peninsula Middle School volunteered to help. The Dowlings, the Lavells, the Marchios and the McKails all brought their entire families to pack 400 bags for the giveaway to 200 seniors.
KPMS student Cooper Lavell, who helped with bagging and distribution, said “I got to deliver some of the bags to my neighbor who is in his 90s. He was so grateful, and it made me feel really good. Older people are at higher risk (during the pandemic), so I know it is hard for them to get to the store and some might not even drive. So, this is a really great program to get food out to them and help keep them safe.”
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