Anime Wonder Fest Emergency Food Relief
Pop Culture Convention Pivots Logistics to Combat Immediate Crisis After November 1st SNAP Benefit Suspension
RIDGEFIELD, WA – November 3rd, 2025 – With the sudden, crushing suspension of vital SNAP food benefits now in effect, thousands of local Clark County families are facing an immediate food crisis. A community is answering the call for help in an unexpected way: the popular pop culture gathering, Anime Wonder Fest, has launched an emergency, off-site food drive to rush crucial relief to the Ridgefield Family Resource Center (RFRC) starting today.
The convention, set for November 15-16, is not waiting for its event doors to open. They have forged an immediate alliance with the RFRC, scrapping a traditional logistics plan to instead create the “$10-for-10 Community Hero” initiative, an off-site system designed to turn fan enthusiasm into real-world sustenance when the community needs it most. 100% of all food collected will be delivered directly to the RFRC.
"When we heard that support was ending for so many families right here in our community, we knew we couldn't wait. This isn't a problem for two weeks from now; it's a problem for tomorrow," said Xavier Sanchez, Founder of Anime Wonder Fest. “Food insecurity is a terrifying experience, and it can happen to anyone, including our neighbors, our friends, or someone you'd never suspect. We are asking our fans, who are so passionate about their fictional heroes, to become real-world heroes for their community. This is about showing up for each other when it counts."
How the "Community Hero" $10 Discount Works:
The system is designed to be immediate for families and seamless for donors, removing any operational burden from the RFRC staff.
- Donate Now: Fans and community members can bring 10 or more of the "Most Wanted" non-perishable food items directly to the Ridgefield Family Resource Center.
- Take a Selfie: To verify the donation, donors simply take a selfie of themselves with their food items at the RFRC donation drop-off point.
- Redeem: Show the "donation selfie" at the Anime Wonder Fest box office on November 15–16 to receive the $10 "Community Hero" discount on admission.
100% of all food collected will be delivered directly to the RFRC.
RFRC Most Wanted Items (Please Prioritize):
- Protein: Peanut Butter, Canned Tuna, Canned Chicken, or Canned Salmon.
- Essentials: Shelf-Stable Milk (boxed or canned).
- Meals: Canned Stew, Canned Chili, or Canned Beans.
- Vitamins: Canned Fruit (packed in juice or light syrup).
About Anime Wonder Fest
Anime Wonder Fest is a premier touring convention that celebrates the best of Anime, Manga, Asian Culture, Gaming, and Cosplay. Our events are committed to building community both through pop culture and through impactful social responsibility initiatives in every city we visit. For more information, visit www.animewonderfest.com.
About the Ridgefield Family Resource Center
The RFRC provides vital support to the Ridgefield community, offering food, mental health resources, and family support services to ensure every family has the opportunity to thrive. They are a cornerstone of community care in Clark County.
Our Immediate Donation Partner & Location
Ridgefield Family Resource Center (RFRC)
510 Pioneer Street
Ridgefield, WA 98642
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