FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Dear friends,

Bellingham Food Bank is facing high demand. We experienced a 194% increase in household visits in two years, and the increased funding we received because of COVID is ending. Now serving over 20% of Whatcom County's population, we spend over $4 million/ year on food, which is more than any other food bank in the state. We’ve been able to do this with amazing support form local people like you! Still, shoppers leave BFB with less food than ever before. Without additional local governmental funds, we risk being unable to meet the escalating needs of our community.

The state fiscal year ends in June, so this is when we are hoping to see changes in local budget practices. If we have had a positive impact in your life and would like to participate in our efforts, please email Stephanie Sisson at stephanies@bellinghamfoodbank.org.

Thank you!

The BFB Team

County Updates

With the Whatcom County Food Bank Network (WCFBN) we collaboratively initiated advocacy efforts in February last year for all 13 WCFBN food banks. Our formal request for $2 million in sustainable funding for the network was partially met with $1 million from ARPA funding in April, a crucial yet temporary relief. ARPA funding is money given to local government by the federal government for short-term emergency assistance. Despite last year’s one-time ARPA allocation, the county's regular annual budget lacks commitment to fund the WCFBN in proportion to our work.

Undeterred, our dedicated team has engaged with county officials, including Kaylee Galloway, Kathy Kershner (former rep.), Mark Stremler, Ben Elenbaas, Barry Buchanan, Jon Scanlon, Kayla Schott-Bresler, Todd Donovan, Tyler Schroeder, Jed Holmes, and Executive Satpal Sidhu. Stay tuned as we continue our efforts to secure more funding for all 13 food banks in the WCFBN. We know that hunger is unacceptable given the resources that could be used to meet the basic needs of Whatcom County families.

City Updates

Separate from the Whatcom County Food Bank Network, BFB has been working with city and state officials as well. Last year we also received $575,000 of a $1 million request from the City of Bellingham for one-time emergency funding. We have been working with city officials to update the annual budget to be in congruence with the number of people we are serving on a weekly basis. Additionally, we have met with Representative Rick Larsen to discuss the alarming rise of food insecurity statewide and advocate for increases in TEFAP and SNAP funding.

Come Glean With Us!

Spring is finally here, which means that Gleaning season is about to start! Gleaning is one of our most fun volunteer opportunities. We go out to the fields and gather more than 80,000 pounds of local produce. We will start sourcing volunteers for this massive program in April, so if you are interested make a note in your calendar and sign up on our website. If you have a home orchard or farm keep us in mind because we would love to gather your excess harvest. Gleaning makes a huge difference on the shopping floor to stock the fresh, healthy, and local foods that people need.

May 10th, Save The Date and

Thank a Letter Carrier

Every year Letter Carriers from across the US pull together for their local food banks. Despite working long hours and facing challenges, the Bellingham Letter Carriers have always come through in one of the most successful community fundraisers for BFB. Letter Carriers will deliver Bellingham residents the Stamp Out Hunger envelope on May 10th so keep an eye out for your chance to participate!

Seeking Sponsors for 50k Challenge

We are thrilled to announce that Bell Lumber and Pole has offered to match $50,000 worth of corporate sponsorships for the 4th annual Hunger VS Hunger challenge! Ethan Hunger is a long time volunteer and has raised over $140,000 for Bellingham Food Bank by running an iron man every year and involving community in his efforts. If you are interested in sponsoring please call Ethan at 360-920-3088 by May 1st.