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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Dear friends,


Our collaboration with with city, county, and state officials are starting to gain traction in supporting goal 4.3.1 of the Whatcom County Food Systems Plan: “Adequately fund the Whatcom County Food Bank Network to meet the dramatic increase in food insecure individuals in the county; ensure that a portion of the increased funding to food banks is directed to purchase food directly from Whatcom County producers.” . .

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This is a fertile, abundant agricultural basin, and yet, over 24,000 Whatcom County residents are living in food deserts. Federal programs like WIC and SNAP are not adequately addressing the struggles of rural people who may not have access to a grocery store, transportation, or the internet required to register. The isolation of rural life is intensified with language barriers and segregation. People are often shocked to learn that over 28 languages are spoken on our shopping floor, and at least a third of our shoppers do not speak or read English. But, Whatcom County is and has historically been a culturally diverse region despite this apparent invisibility. .

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Food Bank visits across the county have increased 127% in the past year, which is more than twice the state average, making Whatcom County a food insecure hotspot. As we attempt to address this across the rural urban divide, across racial discrimination, and across physical isolation we look to support local agricultural workers and producers that put so much of their own lives on the line to feed the rest of us. One of the unique advantages of serving 5,000 household visits a week is the purchasing power to invest in our local agricultural economy, creating a cycle of nourishment and sustainability. Our shoppers are strong, resilient, and affect positive change through their lives. Together, we can harness the transformative power of our collective efforts to make a real difference.


Thank you!

The BFB Team

Community Means Commitment

What does it take to achieve widespread food security? With a dedicated team of 500 volunteers and collaboration with 12 other food banks, we collect over 8 million pounds of food to distribute each year. Even so, we know we aren't yet meeting the full scope of food insecurity for our shoppers or Whatcom County. 5 years ago we couldn’t imagine the scale we operate now and we won’t stop until people have the food they need.

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Thank you for every donation, volunteer shift, and call to local officials. We have come this far because of your support, and we are honored to work with the incredible people in this community who make greater food access possible.


It Begins With The Soil


Thanks to a funding opportunity with the Northsound ACH, BFB has teamed up the Northwest Agricultural Business Center to support the vital work of local Mexican Indigenous and Latino farm owners. Farmers reported that access to land and capital as first-generation immigrants is the most challenging aspect of business. With love for mother nature, they cite a strong need for organic, sustainable practices that replenish the soil and nourish our bodies. Having persevered despite injustices of displacement and being farmworkers, they have put everything on the line to farm in alignment to their values. Healing the disparities in our food system starts with the land, the soil, and the people who pick and grow the food that we all depend on.

Agape Opens For the Season


We’d like to celebrate the opening of Agape Service Project’s seasonal food bank in Lynden. They are serving over 750 Indigenous and Latino farmworkers each week, making Agape the second busiest food bank in Whatcom County when open. Despite the glaring injustice that people picking food for others do not have access to food themselves, Agape is known for its vibrant community spirit and joy.

Gleaning Rockstars


One of the difficult aspects of agricultural work is that you can grow a bountiful crop, and still be unable to sell it. Whenever there is surplus crop, our dedicated gleaners come to gather farm fresh healthy produce before it can be tilled back into the earth. Last year we collected over 86,000 lbs and we hope to make this year even better. If you are interested in volunteering please visit the gleaning page on our website.

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