SPOKANE, Wash. – Food insecurity is a pressing issue in Washington and Idaho, affecting many individuals who have homes but still face uncertainty about their next meal. This issue, prevalent across both states, is more common than some might realize.
In Washington, Feeding Washington reports one in 10 people are food insecure, with an even higher rate among children at one in seven.
Idaho faces a similar situation.
Eric Williams from 2nd Harvest in Spokane shared insights on the widespread nature of food insecurity. “The face of hunger is maybe the people sitting next to you at church or your neighbors down the street. Roughly 11% of the people in Washington and about the same in Idaho are food insecure,” he said.
As the holiday season approaches, there is often an uptick in donations to food banks. However, the need extends throughout the year. Local food banks always appreciate food or cash donations, but time can be just as valuable.
Williams emphasized the importance of volunteer support, saying, “We distribute more than 35 million pounds of food a year, that’s about 17 semi-trucks a week. And, if it wasn’t for several hundred volunteers, some work four days a week, some work once or twice a year, if it wasn’t for the volunteers, we would not be able to do that.”
That amounts to roughly 80,000 meals served each day throughout the 51,000 square mile area it serves in Washington and Idaho.
To learn more about food insecurity in the Inland Northwest and ways to contribute, click the links below.
Feeding Washington Hunger Facts
Northwest Harvest Get Involved
