The upcoming holidays are a special time for all of us. Whether it is celebrating with family and friends, giving gifts, or decorating your house, many of your holiday celebrations have food at the center of them. Food is a powerful tool in building relationships, reminding us of our childhoods, and helping create stronger communities. However for many people in Western Washington, providing food for their families is not always easy.
Although the economy is improving it’s not happening for everyone. From 2009-2013, for example, there was a 50% increase in the number of households receiving nutrition assistance from the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (the former food stamp program). Nationally, a shocking 1 in 7 Americans—or 46.5 million people—still rely on food banks to get the nutrition they need to stay well-fed and healthy. That’s something that affects everyone in our community.
There are many ways that you can get involved at a local level to make sure everyone can get the food they need this holidays season. This year we have a special opportunity through our national partners, Feeding America and Bank of America. Through their Give A Meal promotion, every dollar you donate through their site will be matched with an additional $2 to help stop hunger right here in Western Washington.
Please act quickly since the match is capped at $1.5 million nation wide. To donate visit www.bankofamerica.com/give, then select the amount you would like to donate. By imputing your Western Washington zip code, you ensure that all of your donation and match will be used to support Food Lifeline’s work.
Thank you for helping making the holidays brighter for thousands of families in Western Washington.
