Thanksgiving and Christmas are times families gather and enjoy scrumptious holiday spreads with all the timings.

But that is not the case for many battling housing challenges and financial hardship in these inflationary times.

As a result, food banks and social service organizations around Kitsap County report a higher number of individuals and families seeking assistance.

In Kitsap, more than 11% of residents and 17% of the children are food-insecure, studies cited by Northwest Harvest say. Food insecurity can mean spending money on food instead of other vital expenses such as medicine or school supplies, officials report.

To make the holidays a bit brighter for those in need several food banks and support groups are taking steps so clients can enjoy a traditional meal.

Here are some contacts to get holiday meals:

Helpline House – Bainbridge Island

The self-serve food bank of Bainbridge Island will be stocked with holiday food items, said communications manager Debbie Stearns, who added, “We want to make it a plentiful Thanksgiving for all.” Kits to make side dishes also will be available.

Unlike most food banks, people here go down the aisle and pick out items they need. The food bank (282 Knechtel Way NE) serves over 200 households.

The food bank will also feature holiday items leading up to Christmas. There is also a gift-giving program to provide kids and senior citizens with presents. Pre-registration is required.

Fishline Food Bank – Poulsbo

Visitors come in and choose items, just like at a grocery store. For Thanksgiving, the store will be stocked with holiday meats, including turkey, ham and chicken, and items to make other fixings. Shopping for Thanksgiving goods will take place 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Nov. 21-23.

Like other area food banks, Fishline (19705 Viking Ave. NW) is seeing an increase in clients. “We are serving about 75 people a day now compared to 50 daily in the summer,” executive director Lori Maxim said. About 90 new families have signed up for services.

A holiday food selection will also be available prior to Christmas. The “Christmas Child” program will provide registered kids a $110 gift card, good for purchasing presents at local merchants. Organizers expect to distribute $55,000 in gift cards beginning the week of Nov. 21.

ShareNet Food Bank – Kingston

In addition to its regular food service, ShareNet is providing clients with turkey and supplies for holiday sides such as stuffing, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie, said executive director Mark Ince. The specialty food will be distributed during regular food bank hours between now and Nov. 22. The food bank (25994 Barber Cutoff Road NE) serves Kingston, Hansville, Port Gamble, Indianola, Eglon, Little Boston, and parts of Suquamish and Poulsbo.

Food bank visitors will also receive all the makings for a Christmas meal. Distribution dates are being determined. ShareNet will provide area kids with presents and gift cards. Families need to register for that.

Coffee Oasis —Four locations

The Coffee Oasis Youth Program, serving those ages 13-25, is putting on a holiday meal event titled, “Night of Thankfulness” from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 18 at its drop-in centers in Poulsbo (NE Iverson St.), Port Orchard (807A Bay St.), Kingston (11212 WA-104) and Bremerton (822 Burwell St.).

At Christmas, the program will offer a Christmas meal from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 23 at its four centers. Caroling, games and gifts will also be part of the event.

South Kitsap Helpline – Port Orchard

The Port Orchard food bank (1012 Mitchell Ave) will be providing clients with a grocery bag of items that can be cooked to make a Thanksgiving feast. “We will be giving out holiday food items that range from a holiday meat, stuffing, gravy mixes and cranberries,” said Jennifer Hardison, executive director.

Food bags will be distributed Nov. 14-21 during the food bank’s normal hours. The SK Helpline expects to serve 1,000 households during the holiday. The food bank serves communities within the South Kitsap School District including Port Orchard, Burley, Manchester, Olalla, South Kolby and Sunnyslope.

For Christmas, the operation will distribute holiday food bags Dec. 21-22.

That One Place – Port Orchard

New owners of That One Place (1397 Olney Ave S.E.) are continuing the tradition of dishing up a no-cost meal to residents between 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Jami Stice, who with husband Mike took over the restaurant in October, said, “We see this as a way to give back to the community that has supported this restaurant.” Food will be presented buffet-style. Assisting staff with serving duties will be volunteers and members of the Stice family. An estimated 300 individuals are expected to attend.

Also, the restaurant will dish up a free meal from 1-4 p.m. Christmas Day.

Kitsap Rescue Mission – Bremerton

Residents in the shelter program at the Quality Inn (4303 Kitsap Way) will be served a Thanksgiving Day meal. “Many of our shelter guests don’t have family or are estranged from their families so the holidays can be difficult for those unhoused,” rescue mission executive director Robin O’Grady said. “This is one way we can help support them and be there for them during a difficult time in their lives.” The current population of the shelter is 80, including 13 families.

At Christmas, officials also plan to serve residents a meal on Christmas Day. Those wishing to donate items can go to the Kitsap Rescue Mission website.

Bremerton Foodline

“We are happy to be able to support people in our community in need given food and gas prices,” executive director Kimberly Faulkner said. Holiday Food Baskets will be given from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 19-22. The baskets will include a meat entrée or vegan and vegetarian options and ingredients for side dishes. The program will support about 600 families.

Foodline (1600 12th Street) serves those living in the Bremerton School District area.

Christmas food baskets are also in the works. Check the organization’s Facebook page.

Salvation Army – Bremerton

A Thanksgiving meal will be served at the Salvation Army (832 6th St.) from 1-2 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

“A lot of people don’t have food to eat for Thanksgiving and this holiday is about being together,” Salvation Army Corps officer Dana Walters said. “We are trying to bring the community some relief from the current financial situation that is going on and make their holiday bright.” An estimated 150 are expected to participate.

Also, the Salvation Army will provide a meal from 1-2 p.m. Christmas Day.

St. Vincent de Paul – Bremerton

“We are overwhelmed with the client count,” said Felicia Kolhage, manager of the food bank (1137 North Callow Ave.). “On a day-to-day basis we typically had been seeing maybe 40 households. Now, we are seeing 60-70 households a day.”

Bremerton families can come to the food bank between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 18-19 and pick up a frozen turkey, items to make side dishes and fresh produce. Those without access to cooking facilities will be provided a “24-Hour Pack,” which includes a microwaveable breakfast, lunch and dinner and refreshments. St. Vincent expects to serve 350 people.

The food bank will also distribute Christmas food baskets between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16-17. Santa, Mrs. Claus and an elf will be on hand Dec. 17 for pictures with kids. The elf will be handing out candy.

Central Kitsap Food Bank – Silverdale

Individuals who pre-registered will get a holiday basket of turkey or chicken and products to make side dishes 11 a.m. – to 6 p.m. through Nov. 23. Forecasts call for the facility (3537 NW Anderson Hill Road) to assist over 425 people.

Individuals who sign-up at the food bank between Nov. 13-30 will be given a Christmas basket of food. Kids under the age of 13 will get toys when parents pick up their Christmas basket.

Contributions

The food banks welcome contributions. Some take food. Most welcome volunteers. All accept financial donations. Learn more at each of their websites.