Hunger advocates from across the state filed into the pews of the United Churches of Olympia early on the morning of Feb 1, filling the building to capacity and creating a sea of orange with their scarves. They were there for Hunger Action Day, the Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition’s annual lobby day when food banks, community organizations, and other advocates join forces in Olympia to meet with their representatives and advocate for policies to reduce hunger in Washington.
The annual advocacy day felt especially critical this year, given how significantly food insecurity has surged in the past year. Advocacy efforts centered on urging legislators to invest in free school meals, expanding the Working Families Tax Credit, adopting a more flexible Temporary Aid to Needy Families, creating a basic income pilot program, and encouraging food donation investments that reduce waste and increase available food for food relief agencies across the state.
“We’re grateful to Rep. Tina Orwall (D-33, Seattle) for taking the time to listen to our concerns. Her willingness to listen and empathize created an environment for our community to come up with creative solutions that directly benefit the people on the front lines fighting against hunger in the 33rd.” -Torrence Dixon, Take Me There Foundation, pictured with Rep. Tina Orwall and other Hunger Advocates from the 33rd District
“It was an honor to attend Hunger Action Day in Olympia. Hearing the stories directly from the people these bills would benefit was humbling and a reminder that we have so much work to do in the fight against hunger. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with legislators to share how communities like South Park can benefit and thrive through funding in anti-hunger bills.” – Raina Anderson, Food Lifeline Advocate
“It’s absolutely unacceptable that there are people who are hungry in this country and I am committed to making sure that we get everyone the food that they need, that we get everyone the basic needs that they need… I’m passionate about making sure that everyone has a home, everyone has food, high-quality childcare. We can do this. It does take money, but I’m also committed to raising the revenue and the progressive revenue that’s necessary to make investments that help everyone thrive.” – Representative Emily Alvarado (D-34, Seattle)
