The grant from Les Schwab Tires provided four brand-new rear tires to replace the vehicle’s original 2009 tires, allowing the mobile unit to safely and reliably continue serving underserved communities throughout Clark County

VANCOUVER — FISH of Vancouver’s mobile pantry is ready to roll, thanks to a generous donation from Les Schwab’s new Tires for Purpose program. The grant provided four brand-new rear tires to replace the vehicle’s original 2009 tires, allowing the mobile unit to safely and reliably continue serving underserved communities throughout Clark County.

“We are entirely dependent on the generosity of our community and our partners to help relieve hunger in Clark County,” said James Fitzgerald, executive director of FISH. “We are thrilled that just recently we were selected as a participant in Les Schwab’s Tires for Purpose program, which donates new tires to local nonprofits.”

The FISH mobile pantry plays a critical role in the organization’s efforts to alleviate hunger, particularly for individuals with limited access to transportation. 

“Our numbers have steadily gone up by more than 20 percent each year,” Fitzgerald noted. “One of the vital ways we’re addressing this is through our mobile pantry. We saw a huge need in communities where elderly residents and those without transportation couldn’t make it to traditional food banks.”

To help meet the growing need, FISH recently hired Angela James, a part-time Mobile Pantry Coordinator, who is actively identifying new distribution locations based on community need and accessibility. “We’re trying to reach people who can’t otherwise get to us,” James said. “Oftentimes an organization will reach out asking for help. There is a huge need, and we just have to make sure we can be there with the food.”

The mobile pantry is kicking off its new season with momentum, already adding an additional site this spring. With new tires and a growing team, FISH aims to increase its mobile pantry locations this summer to reach even more neighbors in need. Clients visiting the mobile pantry can select up to 30 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, and frozen meat — served with dignity and care by a small team of dedicated volunteers.

“It’s support like this that helps us get to the people who need assistance,” said Fitzgerald. “We want to reach more people — and to do that, we need donations and community partners by our side.”

For more information about the FISH mobile pantry program or to learn how to get involved, visit www.fishvancouver.org