Join Our Community in Making a Difference
About Lummi Island Mutual Aid (LIMA)
LIMA is here to foster cooperation and strengthen our island spirit. Everyone’s contribution, big or small, helps keep our Lummi community strong. Your donations of time, services, food or funds are welcomed.
LIMA relies on the honor system. We ask that people keep the spirit of community in mind and heart, and please only take what you need so we can spread the love.
How It Works
You can offer or request services, groceries, food cards or meals by completing the simple online form(s) below. A list of what’s available will be added to this website soon, and updated weekly.
Please note that we won’t share your name or contact information online! We collect these details so we can make appropriate matches for goods and services.
Paper copies of the donation and request forms are also available in The Islander, and in our Food Pantry. Completed forms should be dropped off in the LIMA collection box at The Islander.
This website will be updated with our most requested items as we get underway. Watch this space!
Donations
LIMA’s goal is to match requests for aid with Island donors. We are not a 501(c)3 non-profit so donations you make are not tax deductible. They are made in the spirit of sharing within our community, to create an economy of mutual aid and gift-giving.
Donations can be in the form of services (eg meals), non-perishable groceries, health and hygiene items. We will have designated donation boxes at the LIMA Food Pantry for drop offs. You may drop off outside of regular pantry opening hours (M-Su 9am-5pm) if this is more convenient for you.
If you wish to donate a grocery food card, please email us to arrange pickup of physical food cards, or to send us a digital food card. More details below.
The LIMA Food Pantry
Location: 2141 Granger Way, Lummi Island, WA 98262
Opening Hours: Monday through Sunday, 9am - 5pm
Parking: Available on site, please park in designated areas.
Inside our pantry you’ll find shelf-stable grocery items, and health and hygiene products. We are not able to offer dairy or refrigerated items at this time.
If you have requested a meal, we will put you in touch with the meal provider so you can arrange pick up directly.
Specific requests will be set aside in a dedicated area, in a bag with your name on.
Interested in helping out at the LIMA Pantry? Please complete our volunteer form below and we’ll be in touch.
Offer Services or Food
Do you have skills or services to share with our community? Describe what you are offering here. We can also accept donations of shelf-stable food at our LIMA Pantry.
If you wish to provide a meal for an island family, you can give details in the form. We’ll put you in touch with each other, so you can arrange delivery or pick up. We are not able to store prepared meals at the LIMA pantry.
Once we are fully up and running, we will share details of our most requested items on this website and on NextDoor. Please note: we won’t share your contact information online, but will use it to connect you with recipients.
Offer Grocery Food Cards
LIMA can match donated grocery food cards* with donation requests. Suggested local stores include:
Community Food Co-op (purchase in store)
Trader Joes (purchase in store)
On island:
The Islander Store. You can donate via cash, check or card in store, and let the staff know that the funds are for LIMA food card recipients. We’ll then work with the Islander to allocate this money to islanders who have requested assistance. They’ll be set up with an in-store account.
Full Bloom Farm. Can be purchased online. Please put the LIMA email address (lummiislandmutualaid@gmail.com) as the recipient and we will then send directly to the recipient, to be redeemed on the kiosk at the farm stand. Note that the stand closes January 2nd 2026, and will reopen the first week in April.
Digital food cards: put the LIMA email address (lummiislandmutualaid@gmail.com) as the recipient we will print the digital gift card, confirm receipt with you, and distribute the card.
Physical food cards are also great! Please email us to arrange collection.
* ’food cards’ may also be referred to as 'gift cards’ on websites.
When we receive a request for a food card, we ask that the size of the family is specified, and we give:
Individuals: $50
Family of 2: $100
Family of 3 or more: $200+
If more is needed, additional requests can be submitted, no more than 4/month.
Another potential option is for donors to “adopt a family” for a month. Donation recommendations for a family of:
1 $200
2 $400
3 $600
4 or more $800
Request Services, Food or Food Cards
Give a few details of the services or goods (including shelf-stable produce, meals or food (gift) cards) that you are in need of. We’ll share your request on this website or match you with a donor. You can also request a grocery food card here, and we’ll contact you for collection. Please note: We won’t share your contact information, but will use it to contact you or connect you with donors.
Volunteer with LIMA
Interested in volunteering time behind the scenes with LIMA? We need help with admin and organization, as well as collection and distribution. Fill out your contact info and we will be in touch. Thank you!
Additional Lummi Island Resources
Lummi Island Congregational Church
rides to appointments
loan of medical equipment
meals in emergencies
the Parish Health Ministry offers Islander vouchers for folks having a food emergency. Call 360 389-669 to make arrangements.
guidance through medical systems
care, questions and answers
Elderberries - lunch Wednesdays at noon
Coffee with Friends - Fridays at 10am
Ferndale Food Bank comes out every other Friday, serving island seniors and families.
Island Chapel
see a need, fill a need - Call Chris Immer’s cell/message on ND.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
To get TEFAP in Washington State, you must contact a local food pantry or food bank participating in the program and self-declare that your household income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. You will need to provide your name, household size, and current address, but no proof of income, social security number, or citizenship is required.
Local TEFAP Food Bank:
Alternatives to Hunger(TEFAP)
(360) 676-0392
info@bellinghamfoodbank.org
https://www.bellinghamfoodbank.org/