Bartell Drugs on Monday is launching “Bartell’s Community Food Drive,” a new community partnership with Food Lifeline.

Scheduled through June 10, “Bartell’s Community Food Drive” focuses on replenishing local food banks in the summer months when families that normally depend on free or reduced-price school meals may struggle to provide healthy meals at home.

Some food item suggestions include tuna, instant oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, cheese crackers, applesauce and canned fruit. Other suggested items include baby formula, diapers, baby food (boxes or plastic tubs only) and personal care items such as toothpaste, tooth brushes, tissues, shampoo and conditioner, soap and feminine hygiene products.

Throughout the two-week drive, all 58 Bartell Drugs locations in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties will be accepting non-perishable food and other suggested donation items. Since 2009, Bartell Drugs’ leadership role in summer food drives has generated over 60,000 pounds of food for local food banks.

“For many families, dealing with food hardship is an ongoing challenge, and the need becomes more acute during the summer months when children are at home,” said Bartell Drugs Chairman & CEO George D. Bartell. “With the support of our customers, we hope to fill a very important need in the communities we serve.”

According to “Map the Meal Gap-Child Food Insecurity 2011,” a recent study conducted by Feed America, 23 percent of children
are at risk of hunger in Washington State. Many are unsure of the source of their next meal.

Seattle-based Bartell Drugs owns and operates 58 stores throughout King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, including one in Edmonds at 23028 100th Ave. W.