A free hot meal and food drive are coming to Everett Public Library's Evergreen Branch on Saturday, Sept. 26, from noon to 2 p.m.

Gather Everett, organized by local food content creator Samantha Lorraine, pairs a no-cost lunch with a donation drive for Everett Free Pantry. The outdoor event requires no registration and no purchase. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available.

Chef José Garzon will prepare the meal. Garzon, an Ecuadorian immigrant who co-founded GARZON PNW, was profiled by Eater Seattle in 2022 as a rising figure in the Snohomish County food scene. The library's event listing describes him as a local chef and restaurateur.

Sno-Isle Food Co-op, the community-owned grocery store at 2804 Grand Ave. in downtown Everett, is sponsoring the food.

José Garzon said in a Facebook post that he is teaming up with Lorraine, Everett Public Library and Sno-Isle Food Co-op for the event:

"EVERETT, WA • your boy is back!! This time I'm teaming up with Samantha Lorraine, Everett Public Library, Sno-Isle Food Co-op in benefit of Everett Free Pantry"

Everett Free Pantry, a 24/7 mutual aid pantry in the alley of Oakes Avenue between 16th and 17th streets, will be on-site collecting shelf-stable, non-expired food and hygiene items. The pantry is stocked daily by community members with food, baby supplies, cleaning products and hygiene products. Donations at the event are welcome but not required to eat.

The event takes place outdoors under pop-up tents at 9512 Evergreen Way.

The library's listing advises attendees to dress for the weather. Library parking is available, and the Evergreen Branch sits on the SWIFT Blue Line corridor, where Community Transit runs buses every 15 to 20 minutes on Saturdays.

The library will be open during the event. According to the event listing, the meal is open to anyone in Everett or Snohomish County.