Food security remains a concern locally, so organizations and volunteers are expanding their efforts to meet the need. Helping Hands at Swinomish is one such enterprise. It received 850 visits in 2023 after starting in late 2022.

On Thursday afternoons, a white Helping Hands Food Bank truck from the Sedro-Woolley distribution center backs up to the Inspire Church across from Fire District 13 and unloads pallets of food and household items, including bread, meat, pasta and fresh vegetables, fruits, laundry soap and diapers. Most is salvaged from grocery store rescues, but local produce is somet...