APOYO, FISH & HOPESOURCE: Working Together With Generous Communities, We Are Keeping Families in Kittitas County Fed
ELLENSBURG, WA As families across Washington face uncertainty around the November SNAP benefit distribution, APOYO, FISH, and HopeSource are standing together to make sure no one in Kittitas County goes hungry. For years, each organization has served its community in unique ways, and today, their collaboration has never been stronger.
The Governor’s recent announcement of additional funding for local food banks comes at a crucial time. With that support, and through partnerships with our communities, the County’s emergency food network is ready to respond to increased demand and make sure no household falls through the cracks.
“This partnership reflects a broader commitment to Whole Person Care, meeting immediate needs while connecting people to long-term stability through housing, transportation, and support services.” said Susan Grindle, CEO of HopeSource. “We’re here to make sure everyone has access to food, warmth, and care, no matter what’s happening at the federal level.”
Gary Bye, Executive Director of FISH, shared, “This is what community looks like, people and organizations coming together to meet real needs. No one can do this work alone. By collaborating and sharing resources, we’re able to make sure every family, in every part of the county, has access to food and support when they need it most.”
Stefanie Wickstrom, Executive Director of APOYO, added, “This funding doesn’t fill the whole gap, but it helps us keep moving forward together. It reminds us that our community cares, that neighbors are looking out for one another. When people unite around a shared purpose, the impact reaches far beyond a single meal.”
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to meeting both immediate and long-term needs, connecting people not only to food, but to stability and support across their lives.
If you need food support, here’s where to find help:
APOYO (Lower County): Wednesdays 4:00–6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 12:00–2:00 p.m.
1320 E 18th Ave, Ellensburg, WA 98926FISH (Lower County):
Monday–Thursday 1:30–4:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00–11:30 a.m.
Second Saturday of the month 9:00–11:30 a.m.
804 Elmview Rd, Ellensburg, WA 98926HopeSource (Upper County):
Mondays and Wednesdays 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
110 Pennsylvania Ave, Cle Elum, WA 98922
You can help keep food within reach for local families. Donate through our websites or drop off shelf-stable foods (soups, canned meats, vegetables) and hygiene items (toothpaste, deodorant, soap) at any of these locations.
Together, we can make sure every table stays full and every family feels cared for.
Visit hopesource.us, apoyo-community.org, or kittitascountyfish.org to learn more.