ALL ARE WELCOME
There has been a fair amount of press lately regarding increased activity from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Many food pantries and food pantry customers are fearful that ICE may target hunger relief programs. Here are a few things to know about Bellingham Food Bank and how we remain prepared to support all hungry families and individuals. 

First, we believe hunger is unacceptable and access to food is a human right. As the signs (printed in multiple languages) on the front of our building state, “All are Welcome”. BFB has a policy to “protect our clients and their information” to the greatest extent possible while still following the law. We hope ICE does not conduct any raids near our food bank, but we are prepared to support people who need access to the food they deserve.

Thanks for being part of the BFB Advocacy Team ! If you know of others who might be interested, pass this on so our collective voice can be even louder!
 
-Mike
TAKING ACTION
MEASURING POVERTY

The federal poverty line, which determines eligibility in numerous government assistance programs , stands to be lowered in a way that would lead to many in need losing eligibility for assistance.

Learn more here and read the Coalition of Human Need (CHN's) comment here.

IMMIGRATION & HOUSING

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) proposes to take away assistance from all households with mixed immigration status. This would lead to over 100,000 people losing their housing.

You can add your public comment here by July 9.
LOCAL ENGAGEMENT
ORGANIZING FARMWORKER JUSTICE: A WEBINAR PANEL

July 8 | 10:30 am

Community to Community, Farmworker Association of Florida, and Food First are hosting an online panel to discuss how organizers successfully took on corporate growers and pushed legislators to enact protections for H-2A farmworkers, moving just one step closer to farmworker justice in Washington state.

Learn more and find RSVP link here.

SPRING FORUM SUMMARY REPORT

The Whatcom Food Network 2019 Spring Forum happened on May 16 and was attended by about 55 community members interested in our local food system.

Read the summary report of the forum here.
CELEBRATING PROGRESS
2018 brought the passage of Breakfast After the Bell legislation in Washington state and Bellingham schools are already seeing dramatic improvements in their breakfast program!

As a result of offering breakfast in the classroom to all students, participation has gone as high as 80% at some sites. While the program will not officially be implemented until next school year, Bellingham School District has already embraced its benefits.

Watch a short video about this great win!