Bringing Everyone to the Table: $7.2M Project to Expand Bellevue Food Pantry Services

The Bellevue Food Pantry officially launched its Bringing Everyone to the Table capital campaign at a kickoff event attended by approximately 150 local leaders, business owners, volunteers, and supporters.

The event featured a Presentation of Colors by Bellevue East Air Force JROTC, the National Anthem sung by Shamus Connor, the debut of the campaign video, and remarks from ENCAP Executive Director Aaron Bowen, Deputy Director Jill Connor, Pantry Manager Deanna Wagner, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce President Diane Bruce, and Mayor Rusty Hike.

The campaign will fund the transformation of the former Bellevue Public Library into the new Bellevue Food Pantry & Community Services Hub, a 21,500-square-foot facility designed to meet growing community needs. The Bellevue Food Pantry needs your help to get to its new home at 1003 Lincoln Road.

While talking about the project, ENCAP Executive Director Aaron Bowen said, “This project ensures that when times are tough — whether for a week, a season, or longer — no one has to go it alone. Everyone needs food on the table to thrive. This campaign is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about dignity and community.”

Meeting Growing Needs

Currently operating from just 1,052 square feet, the Bellevue Pantry serves more than 17,000 individuals each year, including seniors on fixed incomes, working families facing temporary setbacks, and 16% from active-duty or veteran households.

The new facility will:

• Double monthly service capacity
• Feature a 3,000-square-foot client-choice grocery shopping area
• Expand storage for fresh produce, dairy, and proteins with walk-in coolers and freezers
• Include ADA-compliant restrooms and accessibility upgrades
• Provide volunteer and community gathering spaces
• Offer a dedicated military resource office
• Add a truck turnaround drive that doubles as an emergency food distribution lane
• Add a community garden to increase access to fresh produce

Voices from the Community

Jill Connor, Deputy Director: “This campaign is about Bellevue coming together to say: no one should go hungry in this community. Partnerships are what make this work possible — from schools and local businesses to churches and military families. Together, we can accomplish something none of us could do alone.”

Deanna Wagner, Pantry Manager: “Every day, I meet families who are doing everything right — working hard, raising kids, caring for loved ones — and yet still need help when life throws something unexpected their way. Our pantry is more than food on a shelf. It’s peace of mind, dignity, and hope.”

Diane Bruce, Bellevue Chamber President: “When families are supported, our schools do better, our workforce is steadier, and our businesses thrive. The Chamber is proud to stand behind this campaign because it reflects what makes Bellevue strong: service, hard work, and neighbors supporting neighbors.”

Mayor Rusty Hike: “The Bellevue Food Pantry has always been a place families can turn to when times get tough. With this new facility, even more families will find the help they need close to home. A strong economy doesn’t mean much if families are still struggling to put food on the table. This project is about making sure Bellevue’s growth includes every neighbor.”

Campaign Progress

The Bellevue Food Pantry’s expansion is a $7.2 million project, with $3.5 million already secured from lead funders. With nearly half of the needed support in place, the campaign now enters its “second half,” focused on rallying additional community investment to reach the finish line. Construction on the new facility is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with doors expected to open by the end of that year—marking a major milestone in the pantry’s ability to serve more families in need.

If you would like to make a donation, please go to: https://www.bellevuepantry.org/bellevue-food-pantry/donate.html