They say to look for the helpers. The ones who see a crisis or challenge and almost instantly look to find a way to overcome it. Right now, the people of Tacoma and the South Sound are challenged by the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Some of our neighbors and fellow families are struggling for food. With businesses in a dramatic pause while we Stay Home, Stay Healthy the most Defiantly Tacoma are finding ways to feed each other.
We at WeRTacoma.com are going to feature some of the individuals, businesses, and non-profits helping to #KickCovid. Even with our day-to-day activities on hold, you can help the world #KickCOVID by staying home, washing your hands, and giving recognition to local heroes who are on the front lines of the coronavirus fight.
Know a hero or an organization who deserves a shout out? Post it to social media tagging @TACDefiance and using the hashtag #KickCOVID or email your story to DClark@WeRTacoma.com. Follow Tacoma Defiance and the Tacoma Rainiers on social media and check WeRTacoma.com as we continue to share the organizations and individuals that you can support from the safety of your home.
Emergency Food Network
Prior to all of this there were several organizations that focused on the food needs of the South Sound. They’ve had to adapt.
The Emergency Food Network now has maps of where children’s breakfasts and lunches are available, as well as maps of various pantries in and around Tacoma and Pierce County.
Growing out of a network of charities, EFN became independent in 1991. It now is more than a distributor of foods. EFN runs a farm as well as a repacking facility. The organization has adapted to the changing nature of the grocery and restaurant businesses in the past and are doing so today.
Helping Those That Served Us Food
One of the hardest hit businesses by orders to Stay Home, Stay Healthy is the restaurant industry. Many needed to shut down, others have limited hours. There are thousands of chefs, line cooks, bartenders, waitstaff, and more who are caught wondering about their future.
Moctezuma’s Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar is reducing some of their worry by providing those in their industry with meals. With just a MAST or Food Handlers Permit, Moctezuma’s is providing up to $25 worth of food to as many as 100 people. The local business partnered with Jose Cuervo to support those who brought us so many Happy Hours, late nights, brunches, and more.
Chang Thai Cuisine
Through Tacoma Mutual Aid and Feed 253, we discovered the story of Chang Thai Cuisine sharing meals out in Hilltop.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-I0mu3AtLZ/
That’s restaurant quality food, out of a car’s trunk, for those in need. The generosity of a small family establishment is a sign to us all – we are together in this. And together we’ll find ways to help feed our spirits and stomachs.
More than Just a Man
Kwabi Amoah-Forson saw an opportunity to help. Just a man with a bus, Amoah-Forson took it upon himself to find ways to bring joy and smiles to people through food. You can find his Peace Bus driving around the city delivering cereal to people in need.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-F2IH2DHxZ/
There isn’t a more Tacoma story than that. Just a single person, seeing a need in others, and acting on it. From these rough days, heroes like Kwabi will rise.
Find Modern Heroes and Celebrate Them
Have you found a hero through all this? A story that inspires you in this time where good news is something to cling to? Let us know via social media or email DClark@WeRTacoma.com
Always together, We R Tacoma.
About Tacoma Defiance
Tacoma Defiance is the USL Championship affiliate of reigning MLS Cup Champion Seattle Sounders FC. You can follow The Future of Champions on Twitter (@TACDefiance), Facebook, and Instagram (@tacdefiance). We are #DefiantlyTacoma.
COVID-19 Information
More information on social distancing and how to prevent the spread of Covid-19 can be found at Tacoma-Pierce County Health. The most up-to-date information on how COVID-19 is affecting events at Cheney Stadium can be found here.
June 8, 2023