Bonney Lake Mayor's Food Drive Begins Friday

BONNEY LAKE, WA — Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it's time for the Bonney Lake Mayor's annual food drive.

For the 8th year running, Bonney Lake Mayor Neil Johnson is asking the community to come together and donate Thanksgiving food for local families in need.

"Food and meals are a celebration that bring families together during the holidays," the city wrote. "Unfortunately, for those facing food insecurity, this is a stressful time to provide for their children and ensure food is available."

Every bit of food will help: according to non-profit Feeding America, some 42 million Americans will experience food insecurity this year. In Pierce County, more than one in ten residents experienced food insecurity in 2019, a number that has likely only grown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bonney Lake Food Bank says the drive begins Friday, and runs through Nov. 22. This year's drive also includes Sumner-Bonney Lake School District elementary schools as drop-off points and participants.

However, there will be an even easier way to donate next week: Bonney Lake residents should soon receive a plastic bag in the mail, which can house nonperishable food donations. On Wednesday, Nov. 17, Murray's Disposal will be collecting donations left in those bags, free of charge. They only ask that the bags be placed next to the garbage cart.

Donations can also be left at the Bonney Lake Food Bank and city offices. The Food Bank is also accepting monetary donations online.

In particular, organizers say they need:

• Boxed stuffing
• Cornbread mix
• Instant mashed potato flakes
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Canned or packet gravy
• Canned green beans
• Canned pumpkin
• Canned cranberry sauce
• Canned yams
• French fried onions
• Mini marshmallows
• Sugar
• All purpose flour
• Salt & pepper
• Jell-O
• Peanut butter in plastic jars
• Canned tomato products
• Canned meats (tuna, chicken)
• Soups, stews, and chili
• Pasta and sauces
• Rice

If you can't wait till this weekend to give (or you live in Sumner) Sumner High School has also kicked off its annual Food Bowl donation drive competition.