Rising costs drive surge in demand at West Seattle Food Bank
Rising costs drive surge in demand at West Seattle Food Bank
Demand up by 50% over the last three years
Fri, 11/29/2024
Information from West Seattle Food Bank
As the cost of living rises, countless families and seniors in our community are facing increasing struggles. Each day, more neighbors turn to the West Seattle Food Bank for food and housing support, seeking stability during these challenging times. Thanks to generous supporters, the organization has been able to respond to this growing need, providing vital assistance to those most in need. However, with demand reaching record highs, the food bank now faces a difficult choice.
Over the past three fiscal years, the number of individuals and families needing help has soared by nearly 50%, with food bank visits up 65%. Reserves built up during the generous giving period of 2020 are now nearly depleted. Despite their best efforts, the food bank must choose between raising funds to meet the need or cutting back on critical services.
This is where the community can make a difference. By giving today, you can help the food bank continue offering hope, stability, and compassion to every neighbor in need.
You can certainly donate food, diapers and other items but cash goe further. Donate Food
Monday-Friday - 9am - 3pm, until 7pm on Wednesday
Imagine this: Sarah and Mike, both working full-time to support their family of four, are managing to make ends meet—until a sudden car breakdown throws everything into disarray. Faced with a $1,200 repair bill to get to work, they find themselves making impossible choices. With the unexpected cost, their budget for groceries and rent no longer adds up, leaving them without enough for food until their next paycheck.
For neighbors like Sarah and Mike, a single unexpected expense can trigger a cascade of financial hardships leading to hunger and possible eviction. One-third of all Washingtonians live paycheck to paycheck, and with rising costs of housing, food, and basic necessities, more families find themselves unable to build the safety net they need.
Every week, more working families are pushed to the breaking point by circumstances beyond their control. The West Seattle Food Bank's support is more critical now than ever. With growing needs in the community and dwindling reserves, the organization faces tough decisions about how to continue providing food and housing assistance to families in crisis. Every dollar given helps nourish lives and provide stability to those who need it most. Together, we can ensure no neighbor goes hungry or without a roof over their head.
