Giving Tuesday is soon. Here are 3 ways to support local restaurants, neighbors in need

The Pierce County Dine and Donate Food Drive, which runs through December 7, 2024, brings together more than two dozen local restaurants and bars to support the Puyallup Food Bank amid rising food insecurity in the Tacoma area. With an estimated one in ten residents facing food insecurity, and one in six for children, community initiatives are more vital than ever. The Hoppy Holiday Food Drive, concluding on December 3, further emphasizes this need, showcasing the collective efforts of local businesses to engage and mobilize support for food banks. Restaurants like Side Piece Kitchen are leveraging their social media following to encourage donations, offering incentives like discounts on menu items in exchange for contributions. The community's enthusiasm has resulted in a significant outpouring of support, with many businesses setting up donation boxes and events to generate interest.

This collaboration reflects a strong community spirit, as highlighted by Jen Selvaggia, co-founder of Serve Reserves, who emphasizes the importance of community-mindedness in these challenging times. Local businesses are not only providing food but also essential toiletries to support families in need. As the holiday season approaches, these initiatives are crucial in addressing the growing hunger crisis in Pierce County.