Agape - Food Bank & Services
"The measure of our compassion lies not in our service of those on the margins but only in our willingness to see ourselves in kinship with them."
- Father Greg Boyle
The Social Services of Agape
Agape Food Bank
We strive to serve the farmworker and Spanish-speaking community of Whatcom County by providing food, clothing and community support and by building personal relationships. We believe that our connection to community and cultural competence are at the heart of our work to support families’ nutritional needs and health.
In addition to food and clothing, we offer diapers & baby supplies, hygiene items, toys, books, backpacks and school supplies. We host a kids play section, to provide parents the freedom to send their kiddos to burn energy or create art while they shop.
Providing the quality and quantity of culturally-relevant food items, diapers, feminine hygiene, etc. requires us to purchase almost everything we offer. This is our commitment to dignified food access so that those who harvest the food in our community can achieve their own nutrition security. We are grateful to the many foundations, grants, and group and individual donors who join us in this work and make it possible. Know that you play a critical role.
Over the past few years we have served an average of:
- 2019: 158 households weekly
- 2020: 98 households weekly
- 2021: 113 households weekly
- 2022: 295 households weekly
- 2023: 642 households weekly - a total of 7,067 households and 24,245 people over 11 weeks
- 2024: 570 households weekly - a total of 5,708 households and 21,615 people over 10 weeks
- 2025: 738 households weekly - a total of 7,384 households and 28,924 people over 10 weeks
Our incredible partners include: Bellingham Food Bank, Lynden School District, Food Lifeline, Catholic Community Services, Chispita de Sabor, Christ the King Farm, American Heart Association, SeaMar Community Health Centers - Farmworker Promotores Program, Sustainable Whatcom Fund of the Whatcom Community Foundation, Albertsons Foundation Nourishing Neighbors, Puget Sound Energy Foundation, Eleanor and Henry Jansen Foundation, Lakeland Foundation.
Learn More:
- Agape Food Bank Nutrition Policy - Written in partnership with American Heart Association
- 2025 Agape Food Bank Update
- 2024 Agape Food Bank Update
- 2023 Agape Food Bank Update
- Cascadia Daily News article - "Demand skyrockets at food bank serving Whatcom farmworkers" (July, 2023)
Food Delivery
A program of Bellingham Food Bank that Agape is blessed to be the hands and feet of, we are able to provide culturally-relevant food, diapers, baby food, and feminine products directly to homes. This distribution is provided to help families have easier access to food, as many experience challenges such as transportation, time, and extended work hours. For 8 weeks during the summer, we deliver food to an average of 163 families weekly at 4 different farmworker housing sites around Whatcom County (a total of 1,306 households).
Health and Human Services
With the goal of making our food bank a resource hub, we invite partner agencies to provide services and resources beyond our capabilities.
We are honored to host these incredible partners: CCS Farmworker Center, Community Health Plan of WA, Department of Social & Health Services, Food Lifeline, Inspire Development Centers, Lydia Place, Migrant Education Program, Opportunity Council, Puget Sound Energy, Skagit Legal Aid, WSU SNAP-Ed, Spiritual Resources with Fr. Joseph, Depart. of Labor – Wage & Hour Division, Whatcom Center for Early Learning, Whatcom County Library System, OIC of Washington, Catholic Community Services, Molina Healthcare of Washington, Goodwill Job Training Education Center
Part of an organization who wants to offer your resources/services to the guests at Agape Food Bank? Sign up here.
Hospitality Stand
The goal of the hospitality stand at the food bank is to increase the joyful and relational aspects by providing a hot meal while families get their groceries.
We are grateful for the delicious food from Chispita de Sabor and the many generous donors who make this meal for 300+ individuals possible each week.
- 2022: 575lbs of carnitas were served at 5 weeks
- 2023: 9,050 tacos, 1,640 tamales, 350 burritos served over 11 weeks
- 2024: 1,150 tacos served weekly
- 2025: 300 burritos served weekly
Summer Enrichment
Multiple times per week, Agape facilitates educational and recreational activities for the children of farmworkers at 3 farmworker housing sites. Activities include reading, science experiments, arts and crafts, soccer, red light/green light, a community meal ... and lots of bubbles!
Do you have a fun activity you can offer to a large group of kids (ex: magic show, cooking lesson, giant soccer)? Email: kelsey.harrington@seattlearch.org
Supporting Just Farms
Supporting organic, just farms is an important aspect of social justice as we work to change and improve the farming systems. Our groups volunteer at farms throughout Whatcom County to support a better version of agriculture and to care for creation.
Our incredible partners include Bellingham Food Bank's Gleaning Project, Bellingham Country Gardens, Growing Veterans, Common Threads School Gardens, and Christ the King Farm.
College Scholarships
In 2019, Agape began awarding college scholarships for farmworkers pursing higher education as a way to further support the farmworker families.
2019: 4 recipients - $500 awards
2020: 5 recipients - $500 awards
2021: 3 recipients - $500 awards
2022: 5 recipients - $500 awards
2023: 5 recipients - increased to $1,000 because of generous donations
2025: 2 recipients - $1,000 awards
