Community Corner
Families Unlimited Network Holds Food "Drive-Through" On Saturday
Residents can donate at four locations in and around University Place, and they won't even have to get out of their cars.
food bank will hold another food drive-through event Saturday to help needy University Place families.
Residents will be able to donate without having to get out of their cars from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the following locations:
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-Bridgeport Way and 37th Street at University Place Town Center
-Fircrest branch of Columbia Bank at Regents Boulevard and Mildred Street.
Find out what's happening in University Placewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
-Fred Meyer parking lot on 19th Street West
- parking lot at 67th Street and Bridgeport Way
It might not seem like University Place families’ are struggling, but the numbers tell another story. Since 2005, the percentage of University Place families living below the poverty level has hovered between 7 percent and 9 percent, according to the most recent American Community Survey.
Numbers from the school district are even more telling and shows that the percentage of families who are struggling is growing. According to the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, 34 percent of UP students qualify for free or reduced lunch in 2009-2010. A decade ago, it was just below 20 percent.
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