Upper Valley MEND to host Easter weekend food drive

LEAVENWORTH – As food insecurity continues to rise in the region, Upper Valley MEND’s Community Cupboard food pantry is seeking additional support to meet the growing need in the community. The nonprofit will host a food drive at the Leavenworth Safeway on April 19. 

To date, the Community Cupboard has seen 2,700 individual shoppers in 2025, compared to just over 1,600 shoppers at the same time in 2024.

“The food pantry is kind of our best indicator of overall how people are doing, and it's certainly right now showing us that people are struggling,” said Executive Director Kaylin Bettinger. “People just can't quite make their budgets work, with the cost of groceries and the cost of rent being kind of the two primary drivers of that.”

While the Community Cupboard receives food from a variety of sources, such as state and federal funded programs, a grocery rescue program, individual donations, and its gleaning program, it also sets aside a food purchasing budget to supplement the pantry with staple items. 

According to Bettinger, the nonprofit increased its food purchasing budget from about $30,000 to $75,000 last year to maintain its services. While it aims to remain near $75,000 this year, increased demand and cost of groceries has required the pantry to reconsider its strategies.

“I think if we continued to just buy what we've been buying, we would probably be spending about $150,000 this year on food based on the first few months of 2025,” said Bettinger.

The Community Cupboard’s most-needed items include store-bought eggs and dairy products, low-sodium and low-sugar canned goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, bread and tortillas, and pet food. Non-food items needed include deodorant, toothpaste, diapers, soap, feminine hygiene products, and toilet paper. A full list of the Cupboard’s most needed items can be found on Upper Valley MEND’s website.

As the gardening season ramps up, the food pantry also encourages fresh fruits and vegetable donations from home gardens. However, due to regulations, it cannot accept homegrown eggs or home-processed food.

“I want people to know how much their support, in whatever way – volunteers, donors, people who donate to the thrift store or bring their produce – it all really does make a huge difference in people's lives…It is really helping their neighbors in a big way,” said Bettinger.

During the April 19 food drive, volunteers will be collecting donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., located at tables set just inside the door closest to the produce at Safeway.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media