In the South, where I grew up, we call stuffing “dressing,” and there’s only one way to make it for the holiday table: with cornbread. Here’s my take on a Southern classic that I’ve fine-tuned over the last 20 years or so. You can always omit the sausage and substitute vegetable broth to make it vegetarian, but I don’t recommend it! The following cornbread recipe is not great by itself, but is perfect as the foundation for this savory mountain of goodness.

The Rainier Valley Food Bank is excited to continue our charity partnership with the Seattle Marathon. Yes, It’s true. Crazy people pay others so that they can run really far. But heck, that why it’s so fun!

Ready to get your Chow on?!

Our annual Chow Down fundraiser is almost here and we are as excited as ever! It’s a fantastic way to support local businesses in Columbia City and to highlight the many great restaurants in the area.

HELP US KEEP OUR SHELVES STOCKED THROUGH THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

Our partnership with glassybaby, which was announced in July of this year, has an added benefit during the month of December…

glassybaby will donate 10% of all Madrona store sales in the month of December to the Rainier Valley Food Bank.

Have you ever seen folks outside of the grocery store collecting cans and donations for RVFB? That’s our weekly food drive crew and we’re in need of some new volunteers!

Jeanée Natov, AmeriCorps VISTA at Rainier Valley Food Bank shares a family favorite, Stroganoff. For a complete list of ingredients, check out this Seattle Times recipe.

This September RVFB & Bike Works will host an Urban Agriculture Bike Tour of farms & gardens growing food security & food justice in beautiful Southeast Seattle.

Rainier Valley Food Bank is seeking folks to run in the 2013 Seattle Full & Half Marathon and raise funds for food security in South Seattle as they train. Inspire yourself and your community!

Victoria is currently an intern with Lettuce Link, a program of Solid Ground! She volunteers with RVFB every Wednesday and talks to our clients about the Seattle Community Farm work-trade program and free cooking classes. On top of that, she has been super helpful as a Cantonese translator!

Hey Casundra! Why do you volunteer at RVFB? “Rainier Valley is my community! We are so blessed with opportunity, it’s important give back.” Casundra’s personal quirk? “I love ALL people in this world!” We love you too, Casundra! Thanks for being a fabulous volunteer.

Felicia has been working in human & social services for more than 20 years! She also just hit her one year anniversary as a RVFB volunteer!

Meet Brook! “Food is life, health and peace on earth. Rainier Valley Food Bank is a pillar in my community and its a great opportunity to meet folks from all over the world!” Thanks Brook, we’re so happy to have you!

Meet Kathy! This amazing lady has been with us for over 15 years! Kathy does everything from stocking our shelves to organizing our home delivery program. She literally does everthing! Kathy’s personal quirk? She was once a professional dart player. She’s definitely a Jill of all trades and we’re so lucky to have her!

Why does Zach volunteer? “I want to be sure other people can feel secure within their food situation. Food is our medicine and it’s ridiculous that anyone should have to worry about getting something so basic.” We totally agree Zach!

Our Friday Volunteer Spotlight today is Ashley! Ashley is a native Seattleite and her favorite color is purple. She says she volunteers because the “people here are friendly and nice to get along with.” We couldn’t agree with her more! Thank you Ashley, and all our volunteers for everything you do!

Meet Lucky – he is our volunteer spotlight this week! Lucky lives in Rainier Valley (98118!!) and is a self proclaimed volunteer fanatic (and cool individual).

Sarunya is this week’s volunteer spotlight! She typically works at the front door & check in. She started volunteering with us when one day she drove past and noticed a long line and decided she wanted to help. Though she currently lives in Kirkland, as a former Columbia City resident Sarunya loves engaging with the community & getting to know the regular volunteers. What keeps her coming back? She loves the clients! Thank you Sarunya, and all our volunteers, for giving your time & your caring to your neighbors.