Pantry of Hope Expands Food Access Across South King County

In Washington state, 1 in 8 people experience hunger, including 1 in 6 children. As more families across our region face challenges putting food on the table, the YMCA of Greater Seattle is expanding efforts to help ensure neighbors have access to nutritious food and essential support.

The YMCA is often known as a place for fitness and recreation, but it is also a community hub where people find connection, resources, and support. At the Kent YMCA, local leaders recognized a growing need among community members experiencing food insecurity and asked a simple question: How can we help?

In partnership with New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Kent, which generously provides food donations, the Kent YMCA launched the Pantry of Hope in 2025. Located within the branch, the pantry offers free food to individuals and families in the community. Since opening, the Pantry of Hope has distributed thousands of pounds of food to neighbors in need.

Building on the success of the Kent location, the YMCA of Greater Seattle received support from YMCA of the USA in 2026 to expand the Pantry of Hope model. Earlier this year, new pantry locations began serving community members at the Auburn Valley YMCA and Matt Griffin YMCA, increasing access to food resources across South King County.

Today, the Pantry of Hope is available to all community members at the Auburn Valley, Kent, and Matt Griffin YMCAs every Friday. Food is distributed until supplies run out from 4:00–8:00 pm at the Auburn Valley YMCA, 1:00–4:00 pm at the Kent YMCA, and 1:00-8:00 pm at the Matt Griffin YMCA. These pantries are part of the YMCA's broader commitment to strengthening communities and ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.

To learn more about the Pantry of Hope and other food access programs offered by the YMCA of Greater Seattle, visit our Food Access website or contact foodaccess@seattleymca.org.