If you received your daily Hunger Action Week email this morning, you probably know that visits to area food banks have increased significantly in recent months, with some providers reporting 25-30 percent increases. This is hardly surprising given our current economic climate. More people are out of work, dual-income households are becoming single-income households, and people who were once regular donors to food banks are now finding themselves on the receiving end of these vital services. Linda Nageotte, CEO for Food Lifeline, a local non-profit dedicated to ending hunger in Western Washington, said that demand for food assistance has been increasing for close to 30 months at her organization, and is likely to continue growing. Nageotte noted a growth in first time clients – those who have lost jobs and homes, who were making it okay until recently. As is typical after a major disaster, in this case the economic recession, people are donating more – food donations are up 15% at Food Lifeline. “The same thing happened after 9/11” says Nageotte “The community has a high level of awareness that when the economy is suffering, more people are likely to go hungry.” Still, many food banks aren’t able to keep up with demand.

How can you help?

• Give to United Way of King County’s Response to Basic Needs
• Help Food Lifeline with the Stamp Out Hunger food drive. They need nearly 1,000 volunteers!
• Donate canned goods to your local food bank. “Canned items aren’t typically donated by the food industry anymore. Instead they are being resold on secondary markets to discount stores, like Grocery Outlet,” says Nageotte