Recent changes to federal funding, paired with steep increases in gas and grocery prices, have caused a dramatic increase in need across the community

The Ridgefield Family Resource Center (RFRC) provides critical assistance with food, household supplies, toiletries, and clothing for school age children and their families. But recent changes to federal funding, paired with steep increases in gas and grocery prices, have caused a dramatic increase in need across the community — and the RFRC could use your help ensuring that no child in Ridgefield goes hungry. 

The RFRC has seen a surge in requests for assistance. “I’ve seen families here that I haven’t seen in a while, and families that I haven’t seen before too,” Director Christine Poppert said. People who never anticipated needing help have found themselves walking through the door. “I’m grateful that they are coming to us. I know it can be hard to ask for help, but we’re here to serve the whole community. We want to be a comfortable place to land when people need help.”

Poppert believes the need for RFRC services may continue to increase. On March 1, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ended pandemic-related allotments, cutting benefits by an average of $171 per month, impacting over 520,000 households statewide. With many families already facing hardships like job loss, illness, and rising prices, food banks across Washington have already seen increased demand—and RFRC is no exception. They could use your help making sure their shelves are well-stocked with enough food, toiletries, and household supplies to meet our community’s needs.

There are a number of ways you can help the Ridgefield Family Resource Center: 

Food and toiletry donations 

Some items are always in high demand. Donations of the following items are always welcome:

• Cereal
• Quick individual meals (ex. individually packaged beef jerky sticks, mac and cheese cups, meal bars, tuna or chicken cracker packs, fruit bars, applesauce pouches)
• Peanut butter
• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Canned meats (tuna, chicken, etc.)
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Deodorant
• Feminine hygiene products
• Diapers and wipes
• Laundry detergent and fabric softener

“If you see something on sale for a good price, maybe buy two and donate one to the Family Resource Center. Or sign up for the Green Bag Project at https://clarkfoodproject.org/79-2/ They pick the filled grocery bag up right from your doorstep every couple of months. Every little bit helps,” Poppert said.

Monetary donations 

Monetary donations can be sent by check, with RFRC in the memo line, to the Ridgefield Family Resource Center, c/o Ridgefield School District, 510 Pioneer Street, Ridgefield, WA 98642. Or they can be made online, at https://wa-ridgefield-lite.intouchreceipting.com/ by selecting District Office for School, and Family Resource Center for Item (note there is a small processing fee for online donations). “Not everyone wants to donate goods,” Poppert explained. “And if it’s easier to write a check or call us to make a donation, that’s fine. We welcome everyone’s support.”

Gift card donations 

Gift cards can help offset the cost of items the RFRC cannot provide, like gas. “We are always in need of gift cards for families’ other needs,” Poppert said. “Right now, there is a huge need for gift cards for gas. But we welcome any kind of gift card. Maybe you have one that has been sitting in your wallet for a while. There is probably a family here that can use it.” Gift cards can be dropped off at the Ridgefield School District Office at 510 Pioneer Street with a note that the donation is for the RFRC. 

Other donation ideas 

Poppert welcomes creative donations as well. “Think about the things you need or like as a family, and chances are, there’s another family out there that needs the same thing.” Extra items from subscription kits, like makeup, moisturizers, socks, razors, meal kits, or snacks are always popular. Pet food products are also an unexpected need.

Poppert is deeply grateful for the ongoing support the Family Resource Center receives from the community. They partner with the Green Bag Project, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Compassion 360, and the Clark County Food Bank and Gleaners to ensure resources are available for every family that needs assistance. They also receive donations from Rosauers grocery store, student supply drives, and from the Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation Turkey Trot run/walk. Even the new part-time RFRC assistant position was funded through a grant written by the city of Ridgefield for the Ridgefield School District. 

“I want to send a big thank you to the community for helping us help others,” Poppert said. “Your generous donations allow us to help so many Ridgefield families, and that’s an incredible thing.”

Those who need assistance, can contact the Ridgefield Family Resource Center at (360) 619-1412 or email christine.poppert@ridgefieldsd.org. They are located in portables C and D between the RACC and Union Ridge Elementary School. Hours are Mondays from 1–5 p.m., Wednesdays from noon–4 p.m., and Thursdays from 1:30–6:30 p.m. Their website is www.ridgefieldsd.org/page/family-resource-center. The RFRC is happy to help support our community!

Information provided by Ridgefield School District.