Lifelong expands access to nutritious food across WA State

Pacific Northwest nonprofit Lifelong has continued to respond to the increased demand in Washington State for medically tailored meals during the COVID-19 crisis. As more community members face illness and poverty because of the pandemic, Lifelong has expanded their services to feed and care for hundreds more individuals.

“Medically tailored meals take into account not just calories, but fats, fibers, sugar, sodium, and other nutrients that could help or hinder someone’s health,” said Caila Nickerson, Lifelong’s Director of Food & Nutrition Programs. “We’re so grateful to have the support to expand our meal program, that so many rely on in King County, to people with chronic health issues state-wide.”

Lifelong’s Food and Nutrition program, Chicken Soup Brigade, is one of the only programs in the five-state Northwest region to offer medically tailored meals, which have become even more essential during the pandemic. They have also expanded upon their offerings of culturally appropriate meals and grocery bags to accommodate people of more diverse cultures and backgrounds.

With the skyrocketing demand for access to healthy food, Chicken Soup Brigade has doubled their meal production and volunteer base to ensure no one is without the nutritious food so critical to their health.

“Bless all the Chicken Soup Brigade workers,” wrote in a Lifelong client about their meal delivery service. “I was worried this morning because I can’t go anywhere, and I don’t have much food in my house. Then my phone rang, and it was Chicken Soup Brigade, saying that they left food at the door – I was so relieved.”

On October 25, Lifelong will host an online fundraiser, A Fall Feast, to raise additional funds to support the increased meal production.

Although this event will be virtual, a first for the organization, it promises to be a fun, action-packed night to remember. Activities include a week-long online silent auction, a costume contest for both guests and their pets, a dessert dash, Tom Douglas meals delivered to participants’ homes, and a live auction.

Ticket packages start at $10 with a variety of options for participants to choose from. For every ticket purchased, Lifelong will send a meal to someone who needs it. Community members can purchase tickets to the online event at lifelong.org/fallfeast.

Lifelong is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization serving the Pacific Northwest, with service centers in Bellingham, Everett, Bellevue, and Seattle. Their services include access to nutritious food through home deliveries of prepared meals and groceries, safe and stable housing options, and health access and connection through case management, insurance support, and dental care for individuals living with chronic health conditions. They also provide sexual health services aimed to reduce and eliminate the spread of HIV. Lifelong removes barriers to health with relentless compassion so that no one faces illness and injustice alone.