What would our world look like if the economic value of compassion was understood? That might seem like a abstract question, but it is one that we face here on a daily basis at Bellingham Food Bank. According to the latest ALICE report from the United Way, nearly half of the Whatcom County population lives month to month, barely making enough to cover the cost of living. One shopping visit at Bellingham Food Bank’s Free Grocery Program can save a family roughly $100-120 on their groceries. On a slow day, this program serves 1,200 families. That means that just one day, the Free Grocery Program supplies this community at least $120,000 worth of food. This program is open three days a week, 12 moths a year, and is just one of the three ways to get food at Bellingham Food Bank.

What then, is the lived value of a free grocery trip? It’s single parents making rent. It’s children with the energy to learn in school or participate in sports. It’s building emergency funds to leave domestic abuse. It’s caring for isolated seniors with no surviving family. It’s supporting breadwinners who don’t qualify for assistance programs. It’s improvements in health and diabetes management. It’s quite literally saving lives in immediate crisis. It is these examples and more multiplied on a scale beyond comprehension, all in one day of service.

Food Banking is a financial investment that yields incredible returns because it supports the well-being our our people. When 1 in 2 of our neighbors can barely make ends meet, its time to stop and focus on what matters. Through Bellingham Food Bank, every bit of support given is magnified twice over: First, the dollar value of a grocery trip greater than the original contribution that supported it. Second, the financial impact of a free grocery trip for a family is greater is than it’s retail price. It is unacceptable that so much of Whatcom County pays their bills by starving their bodies. The way we see it, feeding our community is more than a kind thing to do, it is simply what has to be done. So if you are here with us, thank you, we need eachother now more than ever.

With gratitude,

Mike Cohen

This graph shows all clients and all the visits they have made to Bellingham Food Bank. For example a family of 3 individuals that came to Bellingham Food Bank 4 times in 2025 would be account for 12 client visits that year. 

In 2025 we served over 44,452 individuals with 672,064 total client visits. Roughly 30% of those individuals were children and 20% were seniors. This is the scale of of food banking that your support sustains.

Ethan Hunger To Attempt a WORLD RECORD and Raise $500,000.

To support come to the 
Hunger VS Hunger Block Party 
Stones Throw Brewery
Friday May 22nd | 5-8pm

Ethan will be attempting to complete the most sprint triathlons ever completed in a 24 hr period as part of Hunger VS Hunger Year Six. Luckily, YOU don't have to pull this incredible physical feat to support. There are events you can join all throughout the summer leading up to the official world record challenge day on July 24th-25th. The Block Party has always been a big hit, with live music, a raffle, and lots of cheer. Historically this was hosted at Boundary Bay, this year we hope you will join us at Stones Throw Brewery and make this the best Hunger VS Hunger Block Party yet!

With 6 title matching sponsors, every dollar raised in this campaign will have greater impact. If you or someone you know might be interested in sponsoring Hunger Vs Hunger - it's not too late! Reach out to Ethan today.


Introducing BFB's First Ever 
Town Hall Panel Conversation:

Local Agriculture and Food Banking
Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher Room (confirmation on location pending) 
June 16th | 6-7 pm

Farmers from all walks of life are dedicated to their work in Whatcom and Skagit County, and working in agriculture is not for the faint of heart. Bellingham Food Bank invests every year in local produce so that we can offer farm fresh fruits and vegetables to thousands of shoppers while also supporting agricultural livelihoods. Hear firsthand from our farm partners about how their work and food banking are interwoven. 


** Confirmation on the location from the Whatcom Museum is pending. Look out for a Save the Date notice from us soon with all confirmed details.**

For more information contact us at:

info@bellinghamfoodbank.org 
360-676-0392