Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Since 1992

In 1992, Sandra Richards saw a need among teenagers living on the streets of Everett, Washington. Determined that no young person should go hungry, she began preparing simple sack lunches and personally delivering them to teens who had nowhere else to turn.

Soon she was joined by Mildred Yager, a compassionate 83-year-old woman whose heart for these young people matched Sandra's own. Together they began serving just five teenagers, but word quickly spread. Before long, five became thirty-five, and what started as sack lunches grew into hot meals and food baskets.

As the ministry expanded, the cost quickly outgrew what Sandra and Mildred could afford. Sandra began asking local grocery stores if they would partner by donating food. Their generosity transformed the ministry. Food donations began to pour in, allowing them to feed not only teenagers but adults and families throughout the community.

For the next three years, Sandra faithfully picked up donated food 365 days a year, preparing sack lunches, hot meals, and food baskets for anyone in need.

As more people witnessed what God was doing, volunteers stepped forward to help. Churches, businesses, grocery stores, and compassionate neighbors joined the mission. What began with two women and five young people grew into Salt of the Earth Food Blessing, a ministry that has now served Snohomish County for more than 30 years.

Today, that same mission continues through multiple weekly food distributions, serving thousands of families each year while treating every person with dignity, compassion, and hope.

The mission has never changed: rescue good food, care for people with dignity, and make sure no neighbor goes hungry.