Food is Love: Help Feed Hungry South Seattle Neighbors

Did you know that one in five kids in Washington state lives in a household struggling to put food on the table? And that one in five Washingtonians relies on their local food bank?

Who is hungry in Washington? A surprisingly high number of our neighbors, friends and families. Children and the elderly are the most affected, making up more than 50 percent of the people utilizing the emergency food system. They are not just the homeless; they are the working poor, households headed by women, families suffering crises such as a layoff, medical emergency or domestic abuse.

And while demand continues to rise, you can help.

From now through February, my office — Windermere Mount Baker Real Estate — is hosting a Winter Food Drive benefiting Rainier Valley Food Bank (RVFB).

“It can be easy to forget the struggle and hardship of others,” said Joe Easterday, Designated Broker/Owner with Windermere Real Estate Mount Baker. “The food drive is a way that we can show support for the great work Rainier Valley Food Bank does in assisting more than 20,000 of our local residents every month.”

The Winter Food Drive has been organized into three phases.

1. “Comfort Foods” — It’s been especially cold this winter, so let’s fill the lobby with hearty canned soups, beef stews & dry or canned beans. January 17-31
   
2. “Produce Power!” — Everyone deserves to eat healthy. Let’s fill the lobby with a tower of canned fruits & vegetables. February 1-14
   
3. “Oh, Baby!”– Let’s help feed our littlest neighbors by filling an entire crib with baby food, formula and cereal. February 15-28
   

Of course, donations of all kinds are welcome (see list below). Please bring your contributions to the Windermere office (4919 S Genesee St., Seattle, WA 98118/206-725-7255) from now through February 28. Thank you!

Types of Food to Collect

All foods collected should be non-perishable. RVFB is most in need of high-protein, nutritious foods including:

• Canned chicken, tuna and salmon
• Beef stew, meat soups
• Hearty soups
• Canned vegetables and fruits
• Dry or canned beans (kidney, pinto, green, yellow, refried or black beans)
• Peanut butter
• Pasta
• Rice
• Pancake or baking mixes
• Cereal and oatmeal
• Granola bars or energy bars
• Ensure or other nutritional supplement drinks
• Baby food and formula