Many families rely on emergency food.
One in seven people in the Inland Northwest faces hunger. That includes one in four children. Hungry children don't do well in school and poor nutrition is a factor in childhood illnesses as well. ( www.childrensalliance.org). Our farmers donate generously to help meet state hunger head on.
Potato farmers tackle hunger and food banks win!
A friendly wager on the outcome of the 2014 WSU vs OSU football game resulted in over 35 tons of potatoes being donated by both the Oregon and the Washington Potato Commisions. Half went to Washington and half to Oregon.
Small farms, big hearts!
Small Farmers partnered with food banks last year through a pilot program with the Rotary First Harvest. This program assisted farmers who were just getting started to sell their produce. It put fresh food into the homes of hungry families nearby.
Lawmaker wins food for local food bank.
A Second Harvest food bank in The Tri-cities will receive an entire pallet of fresh potatoes won for them by Representative Joe Schmick, who met potato farmers operating an outdoor booth at the first All Ag Day in Olympia this year.
A large part of Washington's emergency food depends on donations from farmers.
Washington's emergency food system operates west of the Cascades through Food Life Line and Second Harvest east of the mountains. It plays a dynamic role in providing healthy food options and nutrition education by working collaboratively with community, state and federal partners. Second Harvest in Spokane distributes 2 million pounds of free food each month to 250 food banks, meal centers and other programs feeding hungry people in the Inland Northwest. According to Kathy Hedgcock, Director of Development there, almost half of the food Second Harvest provides is fresh fruits and vegetables, and the bulk of that is thanks to the incredible generosity of growers in our agriculturally rich state. In winter 2014--2015, local farmers pitched in with a large donation of Washington grown apples and potatoes. This helped get fresh produce on the plates of families who were challenged to get enough during the season.
Get acquainted with a Washington Hunger Hero!
A month-long, state-wide food drive is planned this summer. Click here for the schedule.
Read about the Apple Drop.
Hunger is of concern to a variety of Washington food producers.
