Good morning, Yakima.

Yakima nonprofits are boosting food aid as delays in SNAP benefits leave residents, like Annaleise Flowers, waiting for food support to restart—food banks and local churches report nearly double the usual visits as they work to meet growing demand.

State agencies have ensured full November allotments for many, even as community partners prepare extra resources for families in need.

Keller Williams Group has been collecting non-perishable food items since early November to fill a trailer for the Sunrise Outreach Center—an effort aimed at helping over 3,800 families each month.

Donations including spices, baby formula and animal food will be accepted until Dec 4—drop-off times are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Great Floors announced it will close five stores in Washington including the Yakima location on Nob Hill Boulevard.

The shutdown will affect 58 workers, with 10 in Yakima, and will occur from January 12 to March as the company continues operations under new ownership—following buyouts by Artisan Design Group and Lowes.

National Espresso Day—set for November 23—will honor the century-old invention that made quick coffee a daily habit, celebrating the Italian roots and modern craft of espresso brewing at local cafes; the event spotlights the skill behind each cup and encourages enthusiasts in Yakima to explore home and cafe brewing techniques.

Yakima locals remember the old Yakima Mall, which closed in the early 2000s—once a lively hub where families shopped, dined, and played during the 80s and 90s, its unique smells and stores live on in community memories.

Yakima Valley College now has nearly 5,000 students—up from 4,700 last year—with its running start program drawing over 1,000 students.

Enrollment is 7.7% higher compared to last year, though it remains below pre-pandemic levels, as Vice President Pedro Navarrete said.

Today, America Recycles Day reminds locals that daily recycling efforts help cut waste as the EPA supports local workshops, collection drives and cleanups.

Many communities are holding events to improve sorting routines and boost the use of recycled materials.

Yakima city officials completed a federally funded project that installed new signal controllers — the upgrade gives pedestrians extra time to cross and improves safety at intersections such as W Lincoln Ave and N 5th Ave. The change comes after recent crashes raised concerns and is expected to reduce conflicts with turning vehicles.

The Red Cross announced it will offer Pac-Man themed socks to blood donors from November 17 to December 7 to make donating easier during the busy holiday season—donors are encouraged to help keep the blood supply steady.

A recent study showed that older adults who listened to music daily had a 39% lower risk of dementia—experts say music activates key parts of the brain to boost memory and cognitive function.

The report noted that both listening to and playing music provided measurable benefits in delaying memory decline.

Some local healthcare professionals in Yakima worry as MultiCare confirmed it will stop accepting Medicare Advantage PPO plans and will require patients to switch to HMO plans.

A local Medicare agent and a clinic owner said better communication—especially from UnitedHealthCare—could help reduce confusion and ease the transition for patients.

Jake Cousineau, an educator and finance author, is preparing his Thanksgiving dinner by asking guests to bring dishes and containers to cut costs and waste.

He advises planning recipes early, shopping for sales, checking the pantry, and even using AI for ideas — tips that promise a stylish meal on a budget.

A guide shows Yakima residents how to enjoy a day out for under $10 with options such as $7 movies on Tuesdays, free library events, walks at the Arboretum, and a self-guided mural hunt downtown + free tire air at local shops.

The guide also recommends riding Yakima Transit and checking local art displays to help stretch a tight budget.

Beef Counts Mobile Market - Yakima

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — State Fair Park — Registration required — Drive-thru beef distribution serving pre-registered families in Yakima.

Dancing Sky Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — Hoops — Tickets required — Enjoy food and drinks while painting to your favorite 80’s & 90’s tunes.