WALLA WALLA — Regional food bank operator Blue Mountain Action Council plans to stop mobile food pantry distribution service at its Walla Walla location in late April.

The council will still assist food pantries across Southeastern Washington counties, but must reduce services because of “cancelled food deliveries and operating contracts from the federal government,” the organization said in a press release March 27.

Not offering the mobile option in Walla Walla, at its 921 W. Cherry St. location, and instead focusing on coordinating community food needs will save the Blue Mountain Action Council money. However, it will also mean that Walla Walla residents cannot access a food pantry in the evening, as the mobile pantry offers services on the fourth Thursday of the month and is currently the only evening resource.

“The transition away from mobile distribution in Walla Walla is a difficult but necessary step in response to funding cuts,” said Danielle Garbe Reser, CEO of BMAC. “We are committed to

building stable and thriving communities, including through operating our region’s food bank.

The final date BMAC will offer the mobile pantry is April 24. The organization will continue supporting food distribution services at the pantries located at the Salvation Army Walla Walla and St. Frances Cabrini Charitable Services.

Blue Mountain Action Council helps to receive, store and deliver large quantities of food to community pantries, which then distribute food directly to community members. Coordinating community food needs through the food bank saves money by increasing purchasing power as much as 30% and limiting regional food waste.

The action council said it is continuing to review funding sources and analyze whether it can continue the same schedule of mobile pantry services in other communities outside of Walla Walla and its home delivery program for those who are unable to drive themselves.

In the 2024 fiscal year, BMAC said it distributed nearly 3 million pounds of food across 14 pantries, assisting thousands of families. Overall, with food prices sharply rising in recent years, the action council said in the press release, there has been a 200% increase in demand for food bank services compared to pre-pandemic service levels.

“We ask our community to help us meet the growing need for food in our region by making a donation of finances or food,” said Reser. “This essential service needs our community’s ongoing support.”

Students and seniors currently receiving food through the Backpack Bridge and Commodity Supplemental Food Program options will still have access to those services. The Backpack Bridge program gives students food support on the weekends and is funded through June, while the supplemental food program for seniors has a contract that expires at the end of September.

Blue Mountain Action Council accepts donations of shelf-stable food items, and says food such as canned protein (meat or beans), other canned goods (like tomato sauce, fruits and vegetables), and grains (pasta or rice) are most helpful.

If you have questions about donating other food items, arranging a glean on your farm, volunteering, or organizing a food drive for BMAC, call 509-529-3561. To learn more about the local food pantry schedule, visit shorturl.at/VJMyQ.