GiveBig2020

SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2020 | Special Advertising Section 1 R 6 Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have joined other Seattle-area service providers in the common refrain: We are all in this together. But the truth is, we have always been in this together. It has just taken a crisis like this to highlight our connectedness. From the cooks who spend time in the kitchen to the farmers who grow ingredients to the workers who stock shelves in grocery stores, a network of people brings food to our tables — and this network has never been more important. Food connects us, and at times like this, we need that connection more than ever. This crisis has increased hunger and financial insecurity in Washington. Kids who are out of school are missing lunches, and parents who were already financially stretched by high costs of living and low wages have lost their jobs in record numbers. People who are homeless and rely on meal programs have been unable to get nutritious food, as these programs have shut down due to concerns for participants’ and volunteers’ safety. Northwest Harvest is making sure that counties across the state receive the food they need. We have dramatically increased our distribution of nutritious food to partner food banks and meal programs. Our partners are finding ways to safely deliver and package food for pickup so Washingtonians on the economic margins can get what they need for their families to stay healthy. Many families who are now relying on food programs are no strangers to economic insecurity. The most vulnerable people in our community — including people of color and those in rural areas — are the first to feel the effects of a crisis and often struggle more than others to recover. When hunger is determined by where someone lives or the color of their skin, we know systems are failing all of us. That’s why, in addition to increasing distribution to provide for our immediate needs, we continue to fiercely advocate for a stronger social safety net that better protects our most vulnerable neighbors. We are also seeing more and more people who have never before needed emergency food now grappling with how to make ends meet. As the number of people who are food insecure is projected to double in our state because of the economic effects from COVID-19, we need to work together so that every family can get the food they need. We are in this crisis together. Let’s make sure that when we recover and rebuild, we’re doing that together as well. This way, we can build a more equitable Washington than ever before. Northwest Harvest is eternally grateful for your support as the needs in our state continue to grow. Generous donors like you have stepped up to give in a big way, keeping our shelves stocked and supporting our efforts to make sure no corner of our state goes without access to nutritious food. Consider Giving BIG to Northwest Harvest today. Your donation will make a difference in the lives of those who suffer from food and economic insecurity. We have always been in this together PROVIDED BY NORTHWEST HARVEST Northwest Harvest is Washington’s leading hunger relief agency, supporting a statewide network of 375 food banks, meal programs and high-need schools. Focused on improving equity in our food system, Northwest Harvest believes everyone in Washington should have consistent access to nutritious food that nourishes the body, mind and spirit. Donate at northwestharvest.org . Northwest Harvest has dramatically increased its distribution of nutritious food to partner food banks and meal programs.