WAVE Food Drive Marks 41 Years in Jefferson County
For the 41st year, churches, neighborhood associations and volunteers across East Jefferson County are teaming up to stock the shelves of the Jefferson County Food Bank.
The 2026 WAVE Food Drive — short for "What A Valuable Experience" — runs throughout October, with a countywide collection day on Saturday, Oct. 31, “Food for All Day,” as designated by county and city proclamations.
This year the goal is to raise $50,000. The food bank serves an average of 750 to 800 households each week and stretches cash and food donations through partnerships with local farmers and grocers, an amazing arrangement that supports growers and the wider local economy alongside those who use the food banks.
What began in 1985 as an effort coordinated by faith-based groups to help Port Townsend Food Bank has since grown into a county-wide campaign involving churches, homeowners' associations, and individual volunteers. For over four decades, the WAVE has brought in tens of thousands of dollars and countless pounds of food.
How to help
Food and monetary donations will be accepted from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, at five locations:
Port Townsend: Church of Christ, 230 A St.
Port Townsend: Port Townsend Friends, 1841 Sheridan St.
Quilcene: Quilcene First Presbyterian Church, 29433 Highway 101
Chimacum: Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 45 Redeemer Way
Port Ludlow: Port Ludlow Beach Clubhouse, 121 Marina View Drive
Monetary donations are the most helpful, as JCFBA can purchase food at a lower cost than retail stores.
Most-needed items include canned proteins such as meat, beans, and peanut butter, along with canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, and shelf-stable milk. All donations must be unopened, undamaged, and unexpired.
Donations can also be made online here, where more information about the campaign is available.
