Our partners at Olympic Culinary Loop share the following insights into some BIG hearted parts of our local food system who – despite all the challenges of operating during COVID – have dug extra deep to serve up reasons for us to be giving Thanks All Around the Olympic Peninsula!

Free food To-Go for those in need – Since reopening in April, the Ajax Cafe – located since 1977 as the historic heart of Port Hadlock’s Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding campus – has had to figure out navigating the same COVID impacts befallen all in the restaurant industry.
They initially implemented carry-out, and later opened an expanded outdoor dining area – and menu – known as the “Boat Shack” outdoor dining area. But from the moment their first carry-out left the door they have also continued to offer Meals at NO Cost to those in need. Wonderful and worthy of our support and praise! Call (360) 385-1965 or text (360) 531-1848 to order.

Free – Social Distant – Concert Lifts Summer Spirits –

By mid-August – The “Working Girls” of Olympic Cellars Winery had had enough. Regretfully due to COVID-19, they were forced to cancel their popular 2020 Summer Concert series due to on-going precautions and permissions for group gatherings. They gladly answered the call to and hosted a free local radio station’s “Listen Where You Park” concert at Olympic Cellars Winery featuring popular band Bread & Gravy band playing live in the Sequim studios of radio KSQM.Chef Gabriel and the crew of Alder Wood Bistro was there making delicious pizza with their mobile pizza oven. Everyone cranked the volume from their car stereo systems and enjoyed a – socially distant – summer jam! We Raise a Toast to you!

As soon as COVID-19 closures hit Nourish Sequim, owners David and Tanya Rose saw the need to supply community first responders and Olympic Medical Center’s ICU staff with meals. Nourish also got a boost from four local farms — Joy Farm, Chi’s Farm, Johnston Farms and River Run Farm — all of which donated fresh local fruits and greens. Nourish has raised over $22,000 enabling them to continue to serve meals to those in need. LEARN MORE 

Thanks to architect Lauren Ehnebuske, who donated her time to design the structure and submit plans to the city in order to obtain a building permit, (photo left), and Bob Wallace, who volunteers at the food bank on Saturdays, took Lauren’s drawings and began construction after the permit was issued in late June. The fees for the permit were “graciously” waived by the city. Bob Wallace generously used his $1,200 federal COVID stimulus check to cover the cost of materials!

Solidly built outside the Port Townsend Food Bank. The pantry offers free non-perishable food items at any time of day or night. (photo: Nicholas Johnson/Peninsula Daily News)

THANKS!