In Langley, Washington, the Queen-Bee Community Pantry, a vital resource for thousands of residents across Whidbey Island, has been forced to close its doors indefinitely. A faulty water pipe in the ceiling of the pantry’s new storefront led to a flood, leaving the facility covered in four inches of water and unable to operate.

Community Impact

The pantry, co-founded by Tanya Hernandez and Lila Haynes, was established to address the growing need for food assistance in the community. It began as a small operation on Hernandez’s front porch and quickly expanded, eventually serving 7,000 people from Clinton to Oak Harbor. The closure has left many families without a crucial source of support.

“We’ve had at least 50 people send us messages asking if they can get food,” Hernandez shared. “We’re not able to give out food until this is back open.”

Challenges and Efforts

The situation is further complicated by a dispute between the building owner and the business above regarding responsibility for the flood. Insurance companies are involved, but the pantry remains shuttered as the parties work to resolve the issue.

In the meantime, salvaged food is being stored in rented storage units, and Hernandez is organizing fundraisers to cover cleanup costs and replace lost food. A car wash fundraiser is scheduled for June 21 at Bayview Appliance, as the community rallies to support the pantry’s reopening.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges, Hernandez remains hopeful. “Let’s get it together. Let’s get this back open and get food on the table for everybody,” she said, emphasizing the pantry’s importance to the community.

Original reporting: KING5 Seattle — read the source article.