Mayor Rusty Hike announced that the City of Bellevue is partnering with the Bellevue Community Foundation for a rapid‑response Halloween‑themed food drive called “Scare Away Hunger.” The effort is aimed at refilling the Bellevue Food Pantry, which has seen its shelves nearly emptied as families grapple with soaring food prices.
How to help
Residents can drop off non‑perishable items such as canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, cereal, baby food and even pet food at Bellevue City Hall between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Donations are also accepted at the Bellevue Police Department, which remains open 24 hours a day. The drive runs now through Monday, Nov. 2, with a final collection deadline of 1 p.m. that day.
Incentive for donors
All contributors will be entered into a drawing for a large‑screen television. The winner will be announced at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 2, providing an extra reason for neighbors to pitch in and support one another.
Mayor Hike’s message
“Prices are high all the way around. It’s not just gas, it’s food prices. It’s everything you do, so it’s just important that neighbors pitch in and help their neighbors out,” Mayor Hike said. He emphasized that the food drive is a community‑wide response to the economic pressures many families are feeling.
Why the pantry needs help now
The Bellevue Food Pantry serves a broad cross‑section of the community, from single‑parent households to seniors on fixed incomes. With the holiday season approaching, the demand for nutritious, shelf‑stable foods spikes, making timely restocking essential. By mobilizing volunteers and donors early, the city hopes to avoid shortages that could affect families during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Community involvement
Local businesses, churches, and civic groups have already pledged support, encouraging their members to bring items or contribute financially. The partnership with the Bellevue Community Foundation underscores a shared commitment to faith‑based service and traditional family values, reinforcing the city’s dedication to caring for its most vulnerable residents.
Looking ahead
Mayor Hike and city officials plan to assess the pantry’s inventory after the drive closes, with the goal of establishing a more robust, year‑round supply chain. The initiative reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to empower local communities to address hunger and strengthen family stability through volunteerism and charitable action.
Neighbors who wish to participate can find additional details on the City of Bellevue website or by contacting the city’s public information office.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
