TAKING ACTION
We need your voice!

Government can really impact the lives of families we work with—in positive and negative ways. Bellingham Food Bank is looking to increase our voice when talking to elected officials. We hope our Advocacy Team will be ready and able to call or email elected officials concerning issues that impact our families.

Our job will be to monitor different pieces of legislation and ask for your support when the time is right. In the past we have been active around issues like Breakfast in the Classroom , proposed cuts to food stamps, and protecting summer meal programs. In addition to those “calls to action” we will periodically email you about other interesting things the are related to hunger relief. 
Thanks for being part of the BFB Advocacy Team ! If you know of others who might be interested, pass this on so our collective voice can be even louder!
 
-Mike
LEGISLATION UPDATE
The 2019 legislative session has ended with meaningful budget wins for Washington State families relying on assistance for basic needs.


  • Funding of a study to promote proper length school lunch periods at model sites

  • HB 1893 will help students with unforeseen need access assistance programs for which they are eligible, including SNAP and TANF

  • Historic $175MM Housing Trust Fund budget for increased spending on housing for those experiencing homelessness

  • Increased spending on mental health services

We applaud the legislators and citizens who supported these actions!
LOCAL EVENTS
WHATCOM FOOD NETWORK SPRING FORUM

May 16 | 2-5 pm
@ Squalicum Boathouse

What’s happening with local food and where are we headed? At the Spring Forum learn about what is working when it comes to eating local, for both individuals and institutions and what happens when local, healthy food access isn’t available. We’ll dive into one solution that addresses the economic, physical, and cultural barriers to one of Whatcom’s most important demographics – our children! Leave with action items, tools, and resources you can use in your organizations and homes so we can all eat for a healthy future!
For more information visit:
HUNGER INTERVENTIONS FOR STUDENTS

May 23 | 5-6:30 pm
@ Bellingham Food Bank

Be our guest to learn more about how food banks and schools support their hungry students and families, during the school year as well as during school breaks.

Speakers from: 
• Bellingham School District
• Foothills Food Bank
• WWU and WCC Food Pantries

Catering by Haggen Market Street Catering 

RSVP:
360.676.0392