WSECU Community Champion: Chrystal Ortega’s mission to feed Spokane

WSECU Community Champion drives hundreds of miles weekly to rescue food and fight hunger

In August 2023, Chrystal Ortega lay in a friend’s camper, uncertain whether her Medical Lake home was still standing as wildfire devastated her community. In that moment of vulnerability, clarity emerged.

“I knew while I was lying in bed, wondering if our home was still there, that I needed to be doing something that impacted my community in the area of food, water, and shelter,” Ortega recalled.

Two weeks later, she became the executive director of Feed Spokane. Her home had survived. Her sense of purpose had transformed.

Today, Ortega drives hundreds of miles each week rescuing surplus food destined for landfills and redirecting it to families facing hunger, a reality for one in seven Spokane households and one in five children. Her tireless dedication recently earned her the WSECU Community Champions Award and a $1,000 grant to further the mission.

From first sergeant to food rescue

Ortega’s path to Feed Spokane wasn’t accidental. A retired Air Force First Sergeant who served until 2016, she understands food insecurity from multiple angles, including her own childhood.

“I did grow up in a family with a lot of obstacles, including food insecurity. So, I have lived experience,” she shared. “I also served as a First Sergeant in the Air Force and know that food insecurity existed in our military as well.”

That lived experience fuels her compassion and shapes her perspective on those she serves.

“People who need help are not lazy. Many have been under-supported or had more than their fair share of obstacles their entire life,” Ortega emphasized. “For me, I was able to break generational poverty through my military service. I could easily be struggling to this day if not for that.”

A day in the life

There’s nothing glamorous about food rescue work, and Ortega wouldn’t have it any other way. Her days run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday — typically working 65 hours weekly.

“Our drivers run two rescue routes, starting at 6:30 a.m. I meet them when they return and am the backup driver,” she explained. “We unload and process food from 7 to noon, and pantries visit us daily for food distribution.”

The physical demands are relentless. Ortega learned to operate a forklift to move pallets weighing over 1,200 pounds through a cramped warehouse in constant need of reorganization. She often spends three hours a day moving items by hand.

“Because we do rescue work, so much is unknown,” she said. “So, while I have lots of volunteers, they are not here 24/7.”

After volunteers leave each afternoon, Ortega becomes the rescue van driver for evening routes, remaining on call for nights and weekends. Her husband of 23 years often joins her for those off-hours rescues.

“He has been my teammate,” she said simply.

Building an army of volunteers

When Ortega started, Feed Spokane had 32 volunteers. Today, that number is pushing 200.

“What I wasn’t prepared for is how much I would love my volunteers,” she admits. “They are rockstars and always willing to help!”

That volunteer community has become her anchor. When asked what keeps her grounded on difficult days, her answer is immediate: “My volunteers! I enjoy spending time with them. I also love the people who run our pantries. I thrive on getting to know them better.”

The impact extends beyond food distribution. Through a partnership with Career Path Services, Feed Spokane hosted an intern who was sheltered at Family Promise.

“She stayed with our team for nine months and during that time got an apartment and a full-time job,” Ortega recalled when sharing a recovery story that illustrates how food security connects to broader stability.

More than feeding people

Ortega approaches food distribution with intention, focusing on community centers, after-school programs, senior centers, and recovery programs.

“Because it isn’t as simple as feeding people,” she explained. “They often have other things in their life they need help with.”

Her nomination noted that Ortega has inspired other nonprofit leaders to join the fight against hunger. She’s characteristically humble about that influence.

“I think we have been able to share our story and get people to notice the work that has always been done!” Oretga said.

What Spokane needs now

When asked what would make the biggest difference, Ortega’s answer is practical: “Connections! We specialize in restaurant rescue, but we know we are only recovering a small percentage of what is out there. Same for food distributors.”

Feed Spokane needs a larger warehouse and organizational financial stability. Most operations run on personal donations.

For community members wanting to help, Ortega offers straightforward advice: Know what food pantry is in your community and find out their needs.

Hope for the future

Despite the relentless hours and physical toll, Ortega finds daily reminders of why she does this work.

“Every day when I am greeted by a smiling volunteer, I am reminded,” she shared.

She points to the next generation as a source of hope — from her niece studying sustainability at Ohio State to local programs like Gonzaga Prep’s Sustainability Program and the Spokane Waste Ambassadors.

“So many people are doing the work currently!” Ortega said. “We just need more awareness.”

Feed Spokane’s growth over two years proves what’s possible.

“People just need to hear the story,” Ortega stated. “I believe with enough awareness we can make a real impact.”

In Spokane’s fight against hunger, Ortega proves that showing up, day after day, mile after mile, makes all the difference. To volunteer, donate, or connect with Feed Spokane regarding food rescue opportunities, visit Feed Spokane.

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