Lynnwood Food Bank faces setback as thief steals catalytic converter from distribution truck

LYNNWOOD, Wash. — A catalytic converter theft is impacting dozens of families in need of groceries in Snohomish County.

The Lynnwood Food Bank says someone stole the converter from their only food distribution truck last Sunday. The truck was set to head out Saturday and deliver food for about 60 families in the south end of the county, but because of the theft, those deliveries were made impossible.

The food bank shared surveillance video that allegedly shows a person walking up to the truck, crawling under it, and stealing the catalytic converter. According to Elissa Jones, CEO of the Lynnwood Food Bank, the entire ordeal happened in a matter of minutes.

The organization didn’t even realize it had happened until Thursday, when they started the truck and heard lots of weird noises — that’s when they knew something was up.

Jones says these sorts of thefts are just a reminder of how it not only impacts non-profits, but the people they serve.

“So yes, that is a significant impact on people who are struggling during a time when people are struggling more than they have in any history of the Lynnwood Food Bank, since the 70s, and March was out highest record numbers of people we have served in our community,” said Jones.

The surveillance video shows the suspect getting away in a dark colored vehicle.

There is no GoFundMe page set up to help with the costs of repairs, but people can still donate to the organization online or in the form of a check.

©2023 Cox Media Group