Thousands of families across Spokane County, Washington, have been forced to leave their homes and rely on disaster relief as fast-moving wildfires continue to spread across the region. With more than 65,000 people under evacuation orders or warnings and hundreds of homes destroyed, many families left with only a few belongings and little time to prepare.
As communities face uncertainty, disaster relief is already underway. Midwest Food Bank is responding by partnering with The Salvation Army Western Territory to deliver emergency food and hygiene supplies to families affected by the Spokane wildfires. While firefighters continue working to contain the fires, this first shipment will help meet immediate needs for families who have been displaced.
For families forced to evacuate, the first challenge is finding safety. The next challenge is meeting basic needs. Food, personal care items, and everyday essentials quickly become urgent concerns when families are staying in shelters, temporary housing, or with loved ones. That is why disaster relief focuses on providing practical support as quickly as possible.
Midwest Food Bank’s quick response includes:
– 1,040 emergency food boxes
– 500 hygiene kits
– Distribution through The Salvation Army Western Territory
– Immediate transportation into affected communities
These supplies are part of the organization’s ongoing disaster relief efforts to support communities during emergencies.
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Responding Through Trusted Partnerships
No single organization can meet every need after a disaster. By working with trusted partners already serving local communities, Midwest Food Bank can quickly move food and essential supplies where they are needed most.
"Our mission is to provide immediate relief by partnering with trusted organizations already serving these communities. Together with The Salvation Army, we're helping ensure families have access to food and essential hygiene supplies during this difficult time."
This partnership allows disaster relief efforts to begin quickly while local agencies continue serving families throughout the emergency.
The Need Continues Beyond the Flames
The Spokane wildfires have affected more than homes. Smoke continues to create unhealthy air quality across eastern Washington, posing health risks for children, older adults, and people with respiratory or heart conditions. Health officials continue encouraging residents to remain indoors when possible, use air filtration systems, and wear properly fitted N95 respirators if outdoor exposure cannot be avoided.
Recovery will not end when the fires are contained. Families may spend weeks or months rebuilding their lives, replacing essential belongings, and returning to a sense of normalcy. Continued disaster relief helps communities meet immediate needs while longer-term recovery begins.
You Can Help Families Affected by the Spokane Wildfires
Midwest Food Bank’s first shipment is already on its way, but the response does not end there. As needs continue to develop, financial donations provide the flexibility to send additional food, hygiene supplies, and other essential resources where they are needed most.
If you would like to support disaster relief efforts for families impacted by the Spokane wildfires, you can:
– Donate to Midwest Food Bank’s Disaster Relief Fund here.
– Text @MFB to 52014 to make a donation
– Volunteer with Midwest Food Bank through the Golden Volunteer portal: https://portal.goldenvolunteer.com/organizations/midwest-food-bank-nfp-normal-il
Every act of generosity helps provide food, essential supplies, and encouragement to families facing some of their most difficult days.
As the response continues, Midwest Food Bank will work alongside trusted partners to deliver disaster relief where it is needed most and provide updates as additional support reaches the Spokane community.
