Sorry about the short notice but I wanted to get this out even if it’s seen too late for the event itself. The reduced donations combined with increased demand are a very serious problem.
Wednesday morning, Mayor Mike McGinn joins volunteers from North Helpline Food Bank and Emergency Services in encouraging Seattleites to give back to their communities and support those in need during the holidays and the upcoming winter months.
Recent reports indicate that donations to Seattle area food banks are down by as much as 30% while demand for food assistance continues to increase. The Mayor hopes his visit will serve as a call to action, inspiring neighbors to pack the pantries at local food banks, beginning today.
According to North Helpline, the need for more donations is real. The food bank has served more than 850 households each week during 2011, and their client demand has almost doubled in the last two years. Increases in need and decreases in resources is a shared phenomenon across the city-wide food security system.
“We at the food bank see how this time of year spurs people to action,” said Amy Besunder, Executive Director of North Helpline Food Bank and Emergency Services. “What’s especially great about it is that everybody does whatever they can. Not everyone can donate $1000, a substantial and much-appreciated gift for the families we serve. But everyone can do something. Purchase an extra can of tuna or soup or volunteer some time towards helping us operate the food bank. Mother Teresa said it: If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.”
About North Helpline:
North Helpline works to prevent homelessness and hunger in Greater North Seattle by providing short-term solutions to combat financial adversity such as providing food, hygiene items, baby supplies, eviction prevention, utility shutoff prevention, and move-in support. Our food bank provides healthy nutritious groceries to over 850 families each week.
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