Mobile pantry operator urges county support as SNAP cuts worsen local food insecurity

During the public-comment period on Sept. 2, 2025, Joy Promise, owner and operator of Eagles Community Kitchen Mobile Pantry, told the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners her operation picks up more than 5 tons of food per week from King County to serve residents of Onalaska, Napavine, Chehalis and Winlock and that she funds the effort largely from donations and her own resources. Promise said the pantry serves families facing food and nutrition insecurity, including seniors and veterans, and that recent cuts to SNAP benefits have worsened needs. She said the pantry partners with the Lewis County Food Coalition and WinCo for food pickups and is working with schools to place pantries so families can "pick up food with dignity." Promise also said she is a foster parent and the only BRS foster home in Region 6 and asked the commissioners and community for help finding funds to support her operation. Promise concluded by saying she had lobbied the commissioners to vote for them because she believes county leaders and community organizations can work together to address food insecurity. Her remarks were made during the public-comment portion of the meeting; no formal county action was taken in response at that time.