SPOKANE, Wash. — Marty Foster is familiar with the world of food, and he's dedicated his life to ensuring that no one goes hungry. He spends his days surrounded by ingredients, ensuring every order is fulfilled and every family has access to nourishing meals. Yet, beneath his devotion to feeding others lies a personal connection to the struggle of food scarcity.
Foster manages the Second Harvest warehouse, a facility brimming with ingredients ready to be distributed to families in need. His commitment to his work is driven by an understanding of what it's like to lack access to essential foods.
"I grew up where my mother went to food banks. And she would go to supermarkets and wait for them to bring the food by the dumpsters," Foster recalls, reflecting on his childhood experiences.
In 2014, Foster and his wife relocated to Spokane, and they found themselves in need of support. It was then that they received a meal through the KREM Cares Tom's Turkey Drive. "And that's how we had our Thanksgiving dinner," he acknowledges.
Foster is not alone in his connection to the annual turkey drive event. Tom's Turkey Drive, which began 24 years ago, has provided nearly a million meals to families in need. Tom Sherry, a key figure behind the initiative, describes it as "beautiful, practical, human, kind, and necessary."
Second Harvest, which runs the event, currently serves 55,000 people weekly. Shockingly, 40% of these individuals are children and teenagers, highlighting the pressing need for the initiative.
Many families have grown up with Tom's Turkey Drive, and some have been involved in the initiative for decades. Young people who once donated their pocket money are now adults who continue to support the cause, ensuring its enduring success. The families themselves remain at the heart of the event, further cementing its significance.
A few years after receiving a Tom's Turkey Drive meal, Marty Foster found himself on the other side of the annual event. He was hired by Second Harvest and now plays an integral role in its success.
"It's kind of easy to overlook. But when you're part of it, it just hits you right in the face. So, I'm just glad to be a part of it," Foster says, highlighting the profound impact of the initiative on his life.
For Foster, Tom's Turkey Drive isn't just a charitable event; it's deeply personal and represents his unwavering commitment to ensuring that food is never out of reach for anyone. In a world where food insecurity remains a pressing concern, the annual event serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, changing lives and shaping the future.
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