June 2026 Newsletter

So no one in our community goes hungry.

Community Comes Together “From Sea to Shining Sea”

Many thanks to the North Beach Singers and to everyone who attended last month’s From Sea to Shining Sea concerts. Held in honor of our nation’s 250th birthday, the performances were not only a musical celebration but also a reminder of a long American tradition: neighbors supporting neighbors.

The concerts brought our community together in a shared moment of reflection and generosity. Attendees were encouraged to contribute nonperishable food or financial gifts—acts of kindness that echo the values that have carried our country forward for generations. Those donations will help ensure that families who turn to the Ocean Shores Food Bank can continue to keep nutritious food on the table.

As we look boldly toward a future free from want, we are grateful for everyone who helped make the concerts a success. Your participation and support strengthen the safety net that makes Ocean Shores such a caring place to call home.

Rock the Shores: Music, Community, and Compassion

On July 1, the Ocean Shores Lions Club will host Rock the Shores, a lively summer celebration presented by North Beach Independent Media and benefiting the Ocean Shores Food Bank. From noon to 6 p.m., the event will feature live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and a silent auction—making it a full day of fun for the whole family.

This year’s lineup includes Scott Malone, Bill Leach, Blues Remedy, and Deerswerver, bringing a mix of local talent and high‑energy performances to the stage. Guests are encouraged to bring beach blankets and chairs and enjoy the festivities rain or shine.

Beyond the music and sunshine, Rock the Shores carries a deeper purpose. Proceeds will help the Ocean Shores Food Bank continue its mission of ensuring that every neighbor has access to nutritious food. The event embodies the spirit of community that defines Ocean Shores—neighbors coming together to support one another while celebrating the joy of summer.

We’re grateful to North Beach Independent Media, the Lions Club, and all the sponsors who make this event possible. Their generosity and collaboration remind us that when we join forces, we can make a lasting difference.

April and May

By the Numbers

April 2026

Total Households: 1,122

Total Household Members: 2,344

New Families: 22

Kids' Books Distributed: 30

Number of Volunteer Hours Logged: 1177

May 2026

Total Households: 971

Total Household Members: 2,004

New Families: 16

Kids' Books Distributed: 52

Number of volunteer hours logged: 1,232

Recently, a guest arrived at the food bank with her young son, pulling a wagon that had seen better days. One of the wheels had come off, and without the axle to hold it in place, the wagon was nearly impossible to maneuver down the streets of Ocean Shores. She carried the wheel with her, hoping for a way to make it work.

Our volunteer facilities manager took one look and got an idea. With a tent stake, a bit of duct tape, and some creative problem‑solving, he fashioned a temporary axle that held the wheel securely enough for her to bring her groceries home.

It was a small fix, but it made a big difference. And it’s a perfect example of what our volunteers do every day—finding practical, compassionate, and sometimes downright ingenious ways to help our neighbors get what they need.

Rising Fuel Costs Drive Up the Cost of Feeding Our Community

Over the past several weeks, the price of gasoline has surged—now more than 50 percent higher and still climbing. That increase is painful, and for the Ocean Shores Food Bank, it has a direct and immediate impact on our ability to serve our neighbors.

Much of the food we provide must be transported by partners such as Coastal Harvest and the North Beach Food Alliance, along with our monthly grocery run to Lacey. When fuel prices spike, so does the cost of getting that food to Ocean Shores. Every additional dollar spent on transportation is a dollar that can’t go toward fresh produce, protein, and other essentials our guests rely on.

And the need is not shrinking. Families who were already stretched thin are now facing even tighter budgets as fuel, rent, and groceries all rise at once. More people are turning to us for help—and we are determined to be here for every one of them.

Yet despite these challenges, we remain hopeful. This community has always stepped forward when the need is greatest. Your generosity keeps our shelves stocked, our trucks on the road, and our doors open to anyone who needs a little help to get through the month.

As fuel costs continue to rise, your support matters more than ever. A gift today helps ensure that we can continue procuring and delivering nutritious food to the families, seniors, and individuals who depend on us.

Thank you for standing with us, especially in moments like this. Together, we can make sure no one in Ocean Shores goes hungry.