In the quiet, tree-lined streets of Tacoma’s North End, Wendy and Scott Bream are a couple who don’t just talk about making a difference—they get in the truck and do it. Several times a month, you’ll find them on the road as part of the grocery rescue team for the Northwest Food Bank, a vital program of Nourish Pierce County. Their mission? To make sure good food doesn’t go to waste—and even more importantly, that it ends up in the hands of people who truly need it.
With practiced ease, they load up their truck with donations from local grocery stores like Safeway—food that’s nearing its sell-by date or surplus stock that would otherwise be discarded. Then they bring it back to the Northwest Food Bank, where it can be sorted, shelved, and shared with families facing food insecurity.
Their journey with Nourish began in 2021, but their story starts even earlier. “We had volunteered with FISH food banks when our kids were young,” Wendy recalls. “When the pandemic hit, it really opened our eyes to how deep the need was getting. We knew we had to do something.” That calling led them to reconnect with what had now become Nourish, and they’ve been showing up ever since.
It’s not just about the food—it’s about the people. “Meeting amazing people,” Wendy smiles, referring to the dedicated community of volunteers. “Nourish does a fantastic job making sure there’s always something productive to do. You really feel like your time matters.”
Scott agrees. “It’s such a small amount of effort for such a huge impact. You can literally see the difference you’re making. That’s powerful.”
To the Breams, Nourish is more than a food bank—it’s a statement of values. “There shouldn’t be food insecurity in a country like ours,” Wendy says firmly. “We have enough. We just need to make sure it’s getting to the right people.”
As we wrap up the celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are proud to recognize dedicated volunteers like Wendy and Scott. Our volunteers are the heart of everything we do at Nourish. Whether they are sorting food, greeting clients, rescuing groceries, or lending a hand wherever needed, they are the reason thousands of families are able to put food on the table. Their compassion, energy, and commitment inspire us every day.
Take a look at an interview with Wendy and Scott by clicking the video below! And if you’re ready to take the next step and start volunteering, we would love to have you join the Nourish team!