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WASHOUGAL – As summer approaches, a critical need grows in the Camas-Washougal community: ensuring local students don’t go hungry when school meal programs pause. Now in its 12th year, the IMPACT CW (Camas-Washougal) Summer Food Drive is calling on the community to step up, through donations, sponsorships, and hands-on volunteering, to help bridge that gap.
Led by volunteers from St. Matthew Lutheran Church and community partners, the effort aims to provide approximately 200 food boxes, each filled with nutritious staples and a grocery gift card, to local families in need. To meet that goal, organizers are working to raise roughly $24,000.
Fundraising remains the most urgent need. Monetary donations directly fund the purchase of food and grocery gift cards, maximizing the program’s impact. Gifts of any size, $5, $20, or more, help move the effort closer to its goal.
“Summer is one of the most challenging times for families facing food insecurity,” said Beth Raetz, IMPACT CW Committee Member. “When school is out, so are reliable meals. These food boxes funded through local donations make a real difference for families trying to get through those first critical weeks of summer.”
Community members are invited to be part of the process by attending the main event on Sunday, June 14 at noon p.m. at Parker’s Landing Historical Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal. The gathering will include food box assembly, food donation collection, a free BBQ lunch, and a live outdoor performance by the Camas-Washougal Community Orchestra, offering a meaningful and family-friendly way to give back.
“Our generous donors and volunteers are essential to the success of the event,” Raetz said. Businesses, organizations, and individuals who contribute $100 or more will be recognized as “Community Partners” in event materials, on the IMPACT CW website, and inside each food box distributed.
2026 donors, so far, include grants from the Camas-Washougal Community Chest, The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation and QFC, Waste Connections, and donations from Arktana, Chuck's Produce, local Safeways, and individual personal donations.
Pre-event donations can be made by check to St. Matthew Lutheran Church (716 Washougal River Road, Washougal, WA 98671; Tues–Fri, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) or online at impactcamaswashougal.org. Non-perishable food donations collected at the event will support the Treasure House food pantry, with a particular need for high-protein items such as peanut butter, canned tuna, and chili.
Local schools are currently identifying families who would benefit from assistance. Those in need who are not already enrolled in school-based programs are encouraged to contact a school counselor or principal.
For more information, to donate, or to volunteer, contact Beth Raetz at (360) 835-5533, email [email protected], or visit impactcamaswashougal.org.
