
Many people are unaware of the hunger that exists in Skagit County.
Because of the lack of jobs and wage depression as well as with more and more support services being cut while corporate handouts are ever increasing, it’s not surprising that many families are having a hard time affording food. Children are especially hurt by the lack of enough good nourishment.
Here is the situation in Skagit County by the numbers:
Hunger in Skagit County – 2012:
20% of all Skagit households rely on area food banks
23% of our low-income citizens report going hungry from lack of food and
48% said that someone in their household had skipped meals in the past 12 months because there was not enough money for food
1 in 4 children are hungry
14 Food Banks
47,202 clients served by Community Action, Skagit County, and other partners— mostly through the Food Bank program
On average, 53% of students use the free or reduced lunch program at our schools
Highest rate: Mount Vernon School District at 63.3%
Lowest rate: Conway School District at 32.1%
Hunger alleviation in Skagit County – 2012:
Total pounds distributed: 2,057,394, this was a 7% increase from 2011
Local Farm products: 58,424 total pounds (down 35%)
23,213 pounds were donated (down 43%)
21,554 pounds were purchased (down 40%)
13,657 pounds were gleaned (up 7%)
There are many Community Action programs such as the Mobile Food Express, Victory Gardens, Skagit Food Share Alliance, Harvest for Hope, as well as Bite of Skagit, 1095 Club, Helping Hands, as well as many other programs and organizations are trying to address hunger in Skagit County. All of them would appreciate your help.
The Bow Little Market, in response to the above information, would like to have a box available not only to collect surplus produce from their vendors but also from our customer’s kitchen gardens. This fresh produce would then be delivered weekly to Community Action’s Sedro Woolley Distribution Center. If you are interested in volunteering to deliver this food to the Distribution Center, please email us at psweaney@hotmail.com or call Patty Sweaney at 724-3333.
Thank you,
Janet McKinney