Foundation History2025
July
Hungry Hearts Foundation is excited to announce its merger with the Lake Stevens Community Food Bank. This strategic partnership will enhance our capacity to support children and families within the Lake Stevens School District. By joining forces, Hungry Hearts will now have access to the food bank's established infrastructure, including its experienced staff, expanded resources, and significant purchasing power. This collaboration will enable us to provide more consistent and nutritious meals, streamline our operations, and reach even more students in need. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future for the youth of Lake Stevens. 2023JANUARY
The board of directors approves expansion of the Hungry Heart Foundation's mission statement, to include providing assistance to children in forms of school supplies, clothing, or other supplies supporting the children's basic human needs, to address the community's broader needs in more holistic ways to ensure that the children supported by the Foundation are not only fed, but also clothed and supplied well to succeed in school and life. 2020JANUARY
Hungry Hearts Foundation (HHF) was featured on Warm 106.9 and other radio stations during the "Spotlight" series interviews of community leaders. 2019DECEMBER
HHF receives continued support from Walmart Marysville's grant. HHF ends year with record revenue and record number of children supported. HHF currently servicing 217 kids. SEPTEMBER The foundation starts weekly services in September for 135 children. OCTOBER Hungry Hearts Foundation receives $10,000 donation from Lake Stevens TJMaxx's grand opening. HHF’s community impact is recognized by Tulalip Tribes. NOVEMBER HHF 1st Annual "Friday Night ~ Take a Bite Out of Childhood Hunger" Fundraiser Event a huge success! AUGUST The foundation hosts the "Back to School Event" and works in collaboration with the Lake Stevens Calvary Church, local organizations & businesses, and community to provide school supplies for 140 kids. HHF collaborates with Snohomish Conservation District's Gleaning opportunities with fresh potatoes, blueberries and corn. JUNE Everett Chorale hosts "Will Sing for Food" concert event to benefit HHF. Lake Stevens Rotary Club continues to support HHF's efforts. APRIL The foundation receives $5,000 Grant from Tulalip Cares. Keller William's Novak Team hosts Bunnies & Brew for HHF. FEBRUARY Yelp's First Burstday Celebration includes the Hungry Hearts Foundation. 2018DECEMBER
The Foundation receives grants from Walmart Marysville and Tulalip stores. NOVEMBER HHF receives $7,500 Nysether Grant. JULY HHF expands its storage/packing capacity by leasing studio to accommodate the addition of Stevens Creek ECAP Preschool kids and new Elementary School. JUNE Summer Lunch Program continues with Lake Stevens School District and partnership with Lake Stevens Target. Lake Stevens Rotary Club donates $10,000 & Refrigeration equipment to support drastic growth. JANUARY HHF extends efforts and aid regionally; offers aid to help additional 150+ kids in Sky Valley. HHF efforts in Sky Valley featured in The Monroe Monitor April. HHF passes milestone of 200 children supported directly, 150 indirectly. 2017JUNE
HHF helps with Summer school lunches with Lake Stevens Target. SEPTEMBER HHF Sends 3000 meals worth of humanitarian aid to Houston Food Bank, post hurricane Harvey. 2016OCTOBER
HHF is nominated by the community for King 5’s Best of Western Washington award in the charity division. JULY HHF growth and success story featured in Everett’s The Herald newspaper. JUNE HHF continues its partnership with the Lake Stevens School District and Lake Stevens Target to feed kids during the summer months. Half-Price Books Stores continues to donate books to encourage kids to read during the summer months. 2015NOVEMBER
HHF is featured in the Lake Stevens Ledger. OCTOBER The HHF creates a new website, logo, and starts accepting donations online for the first time. SEPTEMBER The HHF receives the official 501(c)3 approval letter and becomes a tax-exempt charitable organization. MAY Lil' Hungry Hearts creates a board of directors and is incorporated in WA under the new name Hungry Hearts Foundation (HHF). 2014AUGUST
LHH volunteers continue to support the SLP and 2,674 meals were served to kids this summer. JUNE LHH hands out over 3,000 backpacks to over 123 kids from 83 families during the school year. 2013AUGUST
LHH volunteers assist at the SLP which served over 2,670 meals during the 9 weeks. JUNE LHH packed 3,000 weekend bags for approximately 122 kids from over 76 families during the school year. 2012SEPTEMBER
LHH now serves all 10 schools in the Lake Stevens School District. LHH moved to portable at Lake Stevens Middle School. JUNE First time Summer Lunch Program offered at Hillcrest Elementary. 1,773 meals were served. MAY LHH partnered with the Lake Stevens Family Center, using their non-profit status for donation purposes. APRIL Six more schools in the Lake Stevens School District join LHH. 2011JUNE
16 children were fed for the entire school year. NOVEMBER Holiday food drive helped pack over 2000 backpacks of food for 89 kids during the school year. 2010SEPTEMBER
Three more elementary schools joined LHH. AUGUST Kick-off Food Drive for Li’l Hungry Hearts (the organization's first name). |
How We Began"When Glenwood Elementary School teacher Tammie Enders discovered that one of her students would be without adequate food over winter break, she knew something had to be done.
Tammie reached out to Anita Caffee, and together they made a promise: no child at their school would go hungry. Anita stepped in to lead the effort, dedicating countless hours to research, community interviews, and planning. In 2010, Glenwood Elementary’s very first backpack food program was launched. What began as Li’l Hungry Hearts quickly grew beyond one school, fueled by strong community support and a shared belief that childhood hunger should never stand in the way of a child’s well-being. In 2015, Li’l Hungry Hearts received nonprofit status and became known as Hungry Hearts Foundation, expanding its reach and impact across the Lake Stevens community. In 2025, Hungry Hearts formally merged with the Lake Stevens Community Food Bank and now operates as a dedicated, self-sustaining program of the food bank, continuing to be supported through community partnerships, fundraising efforts, and acts of kindness. As part of the Lake Stevens Community Food Bank, Hungry Hearts continues its mission to “take a bite out of childhood hunger” and ensure that "no child is left hungry". What began with one teacher, one school, and one determined community member has grown to serve twelve schools in the Lake Stevens School District, united by the shared goal of reducing—and one day eliminating—childhood hunger in our community. Participating Schools
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*The Hungry Hearts Foundation is not a School District sponsored event. School Districts have neither reviewed nor approved the program, personnel, activities, or organizations announced in this medium. Permission to distribute this info should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement of the program by the school district. In consideration of the privilege to distribute this info, the school district shall be held harmless from any cause of action or claim arising out of the distribution of this info including all costs, attorney’s fees and judgment or awards. Although approving distribution of this information, the School Districts do not assume responsibility for the content or activities described herein.
