Tacoma isn’t a city that sparkles–at least not at first glance–but it has a unique beauty that sneaks up on you in unexpected ways. Nestled on the waterfront of Washington’s South Sound, Tacoma is sometimes referred to as Seattle’s grittier little cousin—full of heart, natural beauty, and layers of history. Once known for its booming paper mill industry (and the infamous aroma that it brought), the city now wears the mark of its industrial past while maintaining the rhythms of a port city.
In the heart of Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood lies St. Leo’s Food Connection. Tucked away between the Parish and the Nativity House Shelter, St. Leo’s is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. Yet, every day before 11 a.m., the line outside Father William Bichsel Hall begins to form. Named after Father Bix, a Jesuit priest known for his staunch commitment to justice and his role in forming the Tacoma Catholic Worker, the hall stands as a lasting symbol of his legacy.
Over the years, St. Leo’s Food Connection has grown to become one of the largest food banks in Pierce County, reaching more and more families with limited access to food. But the pulse of its mission lies in relationship building and community partnerships, something Seth Gebauer (he/him) has come to understand during his year of service as the Pop-Up Market Co-Coordinator.
The Power of Relationship Building
Seth, a recent graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, knows Tacoma well. Before joining St. Leo’s for his Jesuit Volunteer year, he had spent years living and studying in the Tacoma area. His service at St. Leo’s brings him across Tacoma and into surrounding communities, where he and his colleague take the food from the main food bank and bring it to the wider community. One of the unique aspects of St. Leo’s Food Connection is that it allows individuals to shop for their food, giving them the freedom to choose what works best for them and their families. This approach emphasizes dignity and personal choice, rather than simply distributing pre-packaged food. St. Leo’s also partners with programs like Grocery Rescue and the Pierce County Gleaning Project, which help divert food from landfills. This focus on food recovery not only addresses hunger but also reduces food waste.
One of Seth’s responsibilities as the Jesuit Volunteer is hosting pop-up markets around the city. “We bring food to low-income supportive and transitional apartment buildings where there are senior and disabled residents who may not be able to come up to the food connection but would still benefit from receiving food,” Seth explained. Through these “pop-up markets,” St. Leo’s brings food directly to those who need it, offering a grocery-style shopping experience where individuals can select food that meets the needs of their families and cultural preferences.
One of the most meaningful parts of Seth’s role is the partnerships that have developed with local organizations. Through the pop-up markets, St. Leo’s collaborates with groups like the Tacoma Housing Authority, Metro Parks Tacoma, and NorthWest Integrated Health to ensure that food gets into the hands of those who need it most. As Seth shared, “The pop-up markets have shown us the areas of need and how we can better respond.”
For Seth, one of the coolest aspects of his service is seeing how food becomes a catalyst for deeper connections within the community. It’s not just about providing immediate access to food; it’s about the relationships and networks that are built through these services. These connections foster a sense of shared responsibility, where neighbors care for one another, and people work together to create a stronger, more supportive community.
A Place that Stays with You
For those who serve, the experience leaves a lasting impact. Seth’s year of service has not just been about helping others; it’s also about the relationships he’s building and the community he’s come to know in new & impactful ways. As former Jesuit Volunteers in the area often joke, Tacoma has a unique way of sticking with you. People come to serve, and many find themselves staying—drawn in by the city’s heart, the deep sense of community, and the power of service to transform those who serve.
In a city whose beauty often sneaks up on you, the work of St. Leo’s Food Connection exemplifies of how the quiet power of community care can make all the difference.
