I’m thrilled to share that I was recently featured in the Lake Forest Park Town Crier for my participation in the Community Action Fair at Third Place Commons. It was an inspiring morning spent with fellow advocates, working to address food access, a crisis-level need in our community right now.
The fair brought together local organizations and community members ready to take action on food access. What touched me most was seeing so many people eager to make a real difference.
Continue reading below to learn more about what happened during the fair, or click here to read the full Town Crier article.
The Fair
The morning was filled with energy and purpose as local service organizations set up tables to share their missions and connect with community members. I had the privilege of standing alongside fellow advocates Erika Olson, Silje Sodal, and Serena Freeman, each of us assisting in the set-up and participation of the event.
Third Place Commons Director Silje Sodal captured the spirit of the event perfectly when she said the goal was for attendees to leave feeling inspired to get involved. Throughout the morning, we saw exactly that happen. People stopped by to learn about volunteer opportunities, discover ways to donate, and explore hands-on ways to contribute like baking bread for those in need or maintaining Little Free Food Pantries in their neighborhoods.
The conversations were meaningful, the connections were real, and the commitment to action was palpable. It wasn’t just about raising awareness, it was about empowering people to take concrete steps toward solving food insecurity in our community.
Why This Matters
Food access has reached crisis levels in our community, and events like this remind us that we’re not alone in wanting to make a difference.
The fair created a space where people could learn about the various ways they can contribute whether through donating items, volunteering their time, baking bread, or stocking food pantries. Every action, no matter how small it may seem, contributes to a larger movement of care and support for our neighbors in need.
Getting Involved
If you missed the fair or want to learn more about supporting food access in our community, here are some excellent resources:
- Food Lifeline Food Finder Map – Locate nearby food resources
- Northwest Harvest Food Access Network – Connect with food assistance programs
- Washington 211 Food Pantry Search – Find local food pantries
- Little Free Pantry Finder – Discover or start a Little Free Pantry
- Emergency Food Network – Access emergency food assistance
- Hunger Free Washington – Learn about advocacy and programs
Whether you have an hour to volunteer, resources to donate, or simply want to learn more about the issue, there’s a place for you in this movement.
Conclusion
The Community Action Fair reminded me that small actions add up to significant impact.
I’m grateful to have been part of this important event and to stand alongside so many dedicated individuals and organizations working to strengthen our community.
The need is great, but when we come together with intention and action, we can create real change.
Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.
Want to see the full coverage? Read the Lake Forest Park Town Crier article here.