We Love Steilacoom Association (WLSA) has been distributing food to our neighbors in need since November 3, 1993. The food pantry is one hundred percent volunteer-run and operated. All are welcome to utilize the pantry for emergency food needs; preregistration is not required. In addition to the pantry, WLSA operates a home delivery service and weekly food packages distributed in a backpack to help supplement families’ nutritional needs over the weekend.

For a typical guest experience, visitors sign in with their name and family size. They then select bakery and produce items while waiting to enter the self-select grocery area. Visitors use a shopping cart for the selection of non-perishables, perishables, and meat. Finally, visitors depart with a week’s supply of quality groceries. Notably, WLSA Food Pantry has maintained a self-select method while honoring COVID restrictions and guidelines.

Annually, the pantry serves 5,145 families, representing 18,182 individuals. Behind the scenes, volunteers coordinate donations and purchase food. They also sort food, coordinate volunteer work, and pack home delivery bags. Located at the Steilacoom Community Church on Rainier Street, the food pantry has weekly distributions on Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. WLSA has partnered with EFN since around 1998, with EFN contributing in-kind donations and supplying 70 to 75 percent of the food distributed. WLSA distributed 194,930 pounds of food in 2020.

Paul Loveless is the President and Treasurer of WLSA. Twenty-two years ago, after being asked to volunteer by a co-worker, he agreed to work in exchange for chocolate. Moments when he feels like he’s making a difference motivate Paul and volunteers like him to do the hard work of feeding people in need. WLSA wants Pierce County to know that food insecurity is REAL even in areas not usually associated with it.

WLSA is fortunate to be supported by Steilacoom, which they describe as a very generous community. Although they receive a lot of support from EFN and the community, the pantry still has unmet needs. The most significant help to WLSA would be a van to pick-up EFN supplied items and other donations. If you would like to donate to WLSA, either food or financial, donations are accepted at the Town’s Public Works Building, 1030 Roe Street, Steilacoom, Washington, 98388. For additional information, contact Paul Loveless at 253.983.2074.