In this time of year that celebrates plenty in the US, it is important to recognize the profound impact of food insecurity around the world and locally as well.
The nonprofit Action Against Hunger cites over 673 million people affected by hunger worldwide. "Nearly one in 11 people around the world go to bed hungry each night, a crisis driven largely by conflict, climate change, and chronic inequality" with 50% of child deaths worldwide linked to hunger, and 148 million children stunted by poor nutrition. This, while there is more than enough food on the planet to feed every single person.
In the U.S., Feeding America says that 47 million Americans face food insecurity regularly, in 100% of counties nationwide, with over 50 million people turning to food banks for assistance.
Closer to home, Communities Count (CC) found that from 2018-2022, 9.5% of adults in King County "reported that food that was bought for their households sometimes or often did not last, and they did not have money to purchase more food." CC elaborates that "food insecurity disproportionately impacts lower income, LGBT, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American, residents in King County." And recent political maneuvering has only made things worse.
What is there to do? In borrowing from the opening sentence here, PLENTY.
Food drives and donations of food to food banks and pantries can be very helpful. But the most important resource food banks need is money so that they can bulk-buy the items most needed by their communities. Here are some starter resources for targeting your support to combat food insecurity to the places that resonate with you, or to seek support yourself if you need it. This is list is definitely not comprehensive and I welcome your input.
- City of Seattle Food & Nutrition Resources
- Seattle Food Committee's list of food banks
- Hunger Free Washington: resources, advocacy opportunities and communication tools
- Washington State Department of Agriculture
- Northwest Harvest's community programs, public policy, food access network and distribution centers
- FindFood Food Lifeline's food bank search tool
- Food Bank Farm - a project that grows food for local foodbanks.
- Black Farmers Collective - Building a Black-led food system
Internationally, World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit well known for going to the front lines of need, whether from conflict, climate change, or humanitarian and community needs. There is also the UN World Food Programme, which is the world's largest humanitarian organization and the leading provider of school meals.
On a small, local basis, Byrd Barr Place is one of our favorites and I'm sure you have yours as well.
If you want to do something hyper-local, consider building a Little Free Pantry to go up outside of your house. Here are some building specs to get you started.
There is tremendous need every day, not only during the holidays, but this time is particularly poignant and your support will be especially meaningful to organizations on the front lines of this important work, their staff, and the people they serve.
Give plenty, if you can.
