Celebrating 50 Years of
Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Rooted in Community

Our mission is “Neighbors helping neighbors who need food and other assistance as they move toward self-sufficiency.”

Celebrating 50 years is no small thing. It reflects heart, persistence, and countless people coming together for a purpose bigger than themselves. This year marks a special milestone for our organization as we honor half a century of service, growth, and community impact. What began as a small mission has grown into a movement shaped by volunteers, partners, and supporters who believe in creating real change. As we look back with gratitude and forward with hope, we’re excited to celebrate everything this community has built together since 1976.

As we move through this anniversary year, keep an eye out for special events and celebrations that highlight our 50th Anniversary. We have several events planned to honor our history, uplift our community, and look toward the future, and we can’t wait to share them with you.

1975

Ron and Jan Coen move home to Gig Harbor, a town lacking a volunteer network to help people meet basic needs.

1976

Jan and others come together to meet their neighbors’ needs using the FISH model, developed in Great Britain. Their mission becomes “Neighbor helping neighbor.”

1983

Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH takes over the operation of a small food bank in the Burton Park building.

1985

GHP FISH is officially incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, maintaining its faith-based, non-denominational, and non-discriminatory roots.

1999

The growing need for space leads GHP FISH to move into the Eagles’ rental space.

2005

Services grow to include Financial Aid, Student Aid, and Holiday Food and Toy Programs.

2014

GHP FISH expanded into another large room at the Eagles, but even with the extra space we were still stretched thin trying to keep up with the constant flow of donations.

2022

Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank & Community Services moves into its new location at 4303 Burnham Drive in Gig Harbor. This larger new building has enabled us to take on new challenges beyond what was possible in the previous facility.

2023

Part-time employees Bill Mumford and Pam Leazer are the Food Bank’s first paid staff. In March, 619 families with 1,447 members came to us needing food, financial assistance, and clothing—the highest number to date.

2026

GHP FISH celebrates 50 years of “Neighbors helping neighbors.” Our volunteers continue to be the heart of the organization. And as GHP FISH continues to grow, they’re stepping into new roles that give us great flexibility.