Emergency Food Network
Fighting Hunger in Pierce County Since 1982
The Emergency Food Network (EFN) is dedicated to ensuring that no person in Pierce County goes hungry. Since its inception in 1982, EFN has grown from a temporary program to a cornerstone of hunger relief across the South Sound, providing millions of pounds of nutritious food to families in need.
Our Connection to EFN
Providing a reliable food supply so that no person in Pierce County goes hungry.
The Transportation Club of Tacoma has partnered with EFN for decades, proudly supporting their mission through fundraising, volunteer work, and donation drives.
One of our most impactful efforts is the EFN Holiday Food Drive, held during our annual December Luncheon. In 2025, we raised $45,000, helping EFN distribute emergency food across Pierce County. Since 1999, TCT has helped contribute more than 1 million pounds of food to EFN through this ongoing partnership.
Contributions or gifts to the Transportation Club of Tacoma are not tax deductible as charitable contributions.
All donations to Emergency Food Network are tax deductible. Tax ID #94-3131776. Please bring your check made payable to EFN to the TCT Event on December 10th and we will hand directly to EFN.
Why EFN Matters
EFN was founded as a program of the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation to serve as a central storage and distribution center for emergency food programs in Pierce County. Although originally designed to meet temporary needs caused by the 1980s recession, it quickly became clear that hunger was a persistent issue in our region.
- EFN became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1991 and continues to serve a vital role by:
- Distributing food to over 75 food pantries, meal sites, and shelters across Pierce County
- Operating a Mother Earth Farm, an 8-acre organic farm providing fresh produce to food-insecure families
- Maintaining a 20,000-square-foot warehouse and food purchasing program to ensure reliable food access year-round
- Offering volunteer opportunities and corporate engagement events to connect the community with their mission
EFN Holiday Fundraiser
Each December our club holds the Emergency Food Network Food Drive and Fundraiser at our Christmas luncheon. All proceeds from the event go to EFN who’ll use the proceeds to feed local people in our community. The event includes a visit from the local high school choir and speakers who bring in the Christmas spirit by helping auction off great gifts for the membership.
This past December we raised more than $45,000. What’s even more incredible is how much food we can expect our efforts will produce. Currently, EFN is able to convert every $1 raised into $12 worth of food. This means that we were able to bring in more than $540,000 worth of food to the people in our community. Our membership is thrilled they can have such a huge impact in our community.
EFN Repack Project
These small labeling and packaging tasks enable EFN to distribute food efficiently across 75+ partner programs in Pierce County
- What it is: Volunteers help repackage bulk food shipments into family-sized portions for distribution through EFN’s network of food pantries, meal sites, and shelters.
- Group size: Ideal for teams of 8–15 people
- Time slots: Typical shifts are 2 hours, e.g. 9:00–11:00 AM or 12:00–2:00 PM
- Location: EFN Distribution Center, 3318 92nd Street South, Lakewood, WA
- Age requirement: Volunteers must be 12+ with a parent/guardian (16+ on their own)
- Dress code / safety ruless:
- Masks required in the repack room
- Closed‑toe shoes mandatory; no flip-flops or sandals
- Hairnets or hats may be required if open food is being handled
2026 EFN Repack Dates
1/24- 12-2 p.m.
5/16- 12-2 p.m.
8/22- 12-2 p.m.
10/24- 9-11 a.m.
