Philanthropy Northwest Reactivates the WA Food Fund
Seeing growing food insecurity in Washington State, and uncertainty about federal nutrition support, Philanthropy Northwest responded by restarting the WA Food Fund to ensure communities across the state can access the food they need.
Relaunched with lead gifts totaling over $4 million from the Ballmer Group, the Allen Family Philanthropies, and the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Philanthropy Norwest is distributing funds to three hunger-relief organizations – Food Lifeline, Northwest Harvest and Second Harvest – to support their work sourcing and supplying food to hundreds of food banks and meal programs across Washington State.
WA Food Fund was originally started in 2020 to support Washington food systems during the pandemic and is relaunching now to address the rising need for help from the hunger relief network.
“Washington’s philanthropic community is stepping up once again to fill critical gaps and support our communities,” said Jill Nishi, CEO of Philanthropy Northwest. “But philanthropy cannot, and should not, replace the vital role of government in ensuring food security. These efforts are a bridge, helping communities weather the recent uncertainty of federal nutrition programs.”
“By joining forces, we can move food faster and farther across the state. This collective effort helps ensure that no one in Washington goes hungry.”
-Stephen Davis, CEO of Food Lifeline.
“The need is great, but so is the spirit of solidarity,” said Thomas Reynolds, CEO of Northwest Harvest. “Pooling philanthropic and business resources allows us to respond with both speed and scale.”
“We’re stronger when we work together,” added Jason Clark, CEO of Second Harvest. “The WA Food Fund connects the generosity of our partners to the growing needs in every community.”
We are grateful for support from Philanthropy Northwest and the WA Food Fund to strengthen the food network to provide access to food across the state.