"This is a busy time of year and it could get busier," said Jeff Klein, development director for the Emergency Food Network in Lakewood. Klein was alluding to the pending Farm Bill, which could cut monthly food stamps by approximately $36 less for a family of four. "We are going to have to pick up that slack."

The good news is residents throughout Pierce County can help the Emergency Food Network handle those demands.

There are public food drives planned already, but Klein also urges business and community groups to start their own drives and then coordinate to bring the collections to the Emergency Food Network.

Monetary donations are also welcomed, even preferable, considering that the Emergency Food Network can take every $1 it receives and in turn purchase $12 worth of food. Additional funding is also needed to sometimes pay for transportation costs associated with large-scale food donations.

Saturday, Nov. 23, the Emergency Food Network will host its annual Empty Bowls fundraiser at the Charles Wright Academy, 7723 Chambers Creek Rd. W., in Tacoma. The event, which features handcrafted and uniquely designed bowls from local artists, will take place between 1-3:30 p.m. Admission is free. This year there will be a record 1,400 bowls to choose from starting at $10 a piece, though prices will vary.

Attendees who purchase a bowl can also warm up with a free bowl of soup at the same time; local restaurants will be serving special soups during the afternoon. In conjunction, local chef's cookbooks will also be for sale at the event. All proceeds from Empty Bowls will go to the Emergency Food Network's funds.

"Donations aside, volunteering goes a long way too," said Klein.

From 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 11, the Emergency Food Network will host a Repack Wednesday onsite at its distribution center. During the morning, volunteers are asked to help repack food donations into smaller, family-sized portions so that it can be distributed to Pierce County families and individuals in need. No prior experience necessary, though volunteers must be at least 15 years or older to participate. Space is limited, so to reserve a spot, send an email to volunteer@efoodnet.org.

If there are no spots left for the Repack, the volunteer coordinator can usually help facilitate other opportunities in the area, from local rescue mission to shelters.

For a complete list of public food drive drop-off locations, as well as other volunteer opportunities, visit www.efoodnet.org/get-involved.