With so many expensive grocery stores throughout King County, it can be challenging for any family to find ingredients that are affordable and fit their cultural and taste needs. And when you factor in allergies, intolerances, and the price of gas or transportation, our communities continue to face barriers for their most basic need: eating.
Thanks to a new and delectable friendship with our local Trader Joe’s, more of our families have found access to great prices and products. With assistance from knowledgeable Crew Members, our Atlantic Street Center families have also discovered new recipes, specifically our Kinship Care Support Group participants!
There are 18,000 kinship caregivers in King County, which means that many older adults of retirement age are raising children.[1] Additionally, 10% of seniors in King County are below the poverty line.[2] Atlantic Street Center (ASC) must allocate as many resources as possible for the participants we serve.
When Trader Joe’s in Burien stepped up to support, they created a true shopping adventure for our grandparents and their families. ASC participants were invited to the store to learn more about Trader Joe’s branded items, and how certain groceries could be helpful and nutritious additions to their homes.
“This was an amazing experience,” said participant Mary. “I learned a lot about how to read the tags for gluten free, vegan and organic food options. The items the store staff displayed helped me put together a healthy meal for under $10 dollars.”
The Trader Joe’s Crew Members treated us to some amazing samples (yum!) and showed us exactly where to find each ingredient in the store. They made the experience even better by walking us through how each item is made and what goes into it.
Value is vital, especially when food accessibility is shrinking. By Trader Joe’s hosting our Kinship Care Support Group, our families now have uncovered their own resource they can visit again and again. Having the ability to purchase affordable and tasty food is not just helpful; it is survival.
Thank you, Trader Joe’s! This is one way the community can work to help families go from surviving to thriving.
[1] Catholic Community Services of Western Washington – Kinship Care Services, King County – 2023 | LINK