With an increase in demand as high as 35 percent this year and a sharp drop in donations of baby food and formula, food banks across the city are desperate for donations.
Solid Ground is hoping a three-day initiative starting Aug. 19 by local junk removal company 1-800 RID-OF-IT Junk Removal will help the troubling situation.
Trish Twomey, Hunger Action Center Manager for Solid Ground, said there is always an increased demand for food items in the summer because school is out and children no longer have access to breakfast or lunch programs. However, this summer the situation is markedly worse, she said.
“Families in our community are hungry, and the food banks are not able to cope with the increasing need,” said Twomey. “Working families are faced with tough decisions and choices, and they are turning to food banks to cover some of their food costs. This food drive is a great way to help families feed their kids.”
Food and monetary donations are significantly lower this year, while demand is up on average 35 percent across Seattle, according to Solid Ground. Stocks of formula and baby food are also down significantly.
1-800-RID-OF-IT Junk Removal is offering to pick up non-perishable food donations from residences across Seattle and Mercer Island, on Aug. 19, 20 and 21, free of charge. The company will deliver the food donations to various food banks in the Greater Seattle area.
Starting Aug. 19, the trucks will be stationed at busy intersections blasting Christmas carols to raise awareness.
Junk Removal trucks will be at the intersection of Northwest Market Street and 15th Avenue Northwest Aug. 19.
“We’re looking to inspire people with a summer sense of Christmas goodwill,” said Mike McKee, president of 1-800-RID-OF-IT Junk Removal “No one wants to hear about starving children so please pick up the phone and call us to come and collect some cans of pureed carrots and peas.”
Solid Ground, based in Wallingford but started in Fremont, is a nonprofit that works to provide services to those in need.
Call 1-800-743-6348 for a free pick-up Aug. 19, 20 and 21.
