Credit: ACRS
The Asian Counseling and Referral Service is nearing its fundraising goal for the 2026 Walk for Rice campaign after hundreds of community members gathered at Seward Park on Saturday, May 16 to support the organization’s food bank and nutrition programs.
Organizers said the campaign has raised about $265,000 toward its $345,000 goal, with fundraising continuing through June 30.
Now in its 36th year, Walk for Rice supports the ACRS Food Bank and helps provide culturally familiar food staples such as rice, noodles, tofu and fresh produce to Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, immigrant and refugee communities across King County.
About 700 people attended this year’s event, which featured cultural performances, community speakers and a walk around Seward Park.
Credit: ACRS
The campaign comes as demand for food assistance continues to rise. ACRS reported a 14% increase in visits to its food bank, while recent pop-up food banks in Kent and South King County distributed all available food within hours.
“Today is not only about the steps we take around this park. It is about the stand we take as a community,” ACRS CEO Kendee Yamaguchi said.
Public officials and community leaders attending the event included Seattle City Councilmember Eddie Lin, state Sen. Bob Hasegawa, state Rep. Cindy Ryu, Port of Seattle commissioners Toshiko Hasegawa and Sam Cho, and Esther Handy, chief of staff for Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson.
Founded in 1990, Walk for Rice supports the ACRS Food Bank in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, which distributes nearly one million pounds of food annually through on-site services and community distribution programs throughout King County.
The 2026 Walk for Rice campaign remains open through June 30, with donations still being accepted at walkforrice.org.
Credit: ACRS
Credit: ACRS
Credit: ACRS
Credit: ACRS
Credit: ACRS
Leave a Reply