FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Dear friends,

Bellingham Food Bank is facing high demand. Now serving a quarter of Whatcom County's population, we spend over $4 million/ year on food as the busiest food bank in the state. We’ve been able to do this with amazing support form local people like you! Still, shoppers leave BFB with less food than ever before. Our increases match United Way ALICE report data on the growing number of families in Whatcom County who live paycheck to paycheck. Without additional local governmental funds, we risk being unable to meet the escalating needs of our community.

Local government budget decisions are being made in October for the city and the county. As it stands the City of Bellingham has committed to roughly 3% of BFB’s 2025 food budget ($150,000), while we expect donations from individuals like yourselves to account for 45% of our 2025 food budget ($1,800,000). The County is committed to a similar 3% ($138,000) of the Whatcom County Food Bank Network’s (WCFBN) food budget as a whole. When we say that we couldn't do it with out you, we are being literal. We would love to see your efforts prioritized and reflected by local government as food insecurity has become a public health crisis in our county.

Thank you!

The BFB Team

Ask Executive Sidhu to increase county funding for the WCFBN:

ssidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us

360-778-5200

At this point we believe that funding for the WCFBN would be approved by council members, if the Executive were to put it in the budget proposal. Our formal request is for $2 million in sustainable annual funding for the Whatcom County Food Bank Network, representing 13 food banks. Food insecurity has become a county wide public health crisis. We know that hunger is unacceptable given the resources that could be used to meet the basic needs of Whatcom County families.

Our team has engaged with county officials, including Kaylee Galloway, Kathy Kershner (former rep.), Mark Stremler, Ben Elenbaas, Barry Buchanan, Jon Scanlon, Kayla Schott-Bresler, Todd Donovan, Tyler Schroeder, Jed Holmes, and Executive Satpal Sidhu himself.

Ask Mayor Lund to increase city funding for Bellingham Food Bank:

mayorsoffice@cob.org

360-778-8100

At this point we believe that funding for Bellingham Food Bank would gain council support if they were to understand necessity and popularity of food bank services. Our formal request is for $1 million in sustainable annual funding for Bellingham Food Bank.

Our team has engaged with city officials, including Hannah Stone, Dan Hammill, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist , Holly Huthman, and Mayor Kim Lund.

Thank You to All Of Our Supporters

Since we began discussing our funding challenges with the city and county, supporters have shown up at every public comment session throughout August and September, writing letters and calling their representatives. It’s inspiring to see. Food is a basic need, and we can’t let a lack of commitment stand in the way. Shown here is Betsy Pernotto retired from WIC, Savannah Flynn of Flynn Farms, and Margaret Gerard of Sunseed Farm at County Council. Thank you so much!

Ethan Hunger Raises $225,000 This Year

We did it! Hunger VS Hunger Year 4 was a raging success, pulling in more than TWICE our original goal and considerably more than the City or County have committed for food bank funding in 2025. This years campaign funded a full month or about 21,000 grocery visits at Bellingham Food Bank. Each visit includes fresh produce, meat, milk, eggs, and other household staples like beans, rice, and flours.

Thank you Boxx Berry Farm

BFB not only runs a strong gleaning program that sends volunteers to collect unsold produce from local farms, but also cultivates a plot at Boxx Berry Farm. This season, most of our gleaned produce comes from this partnership. Mike Boxx also spoke in support of the WCFBN at County Council. Farming is financially risky and labor-intensive, so we’re grateful for the dedication of local farms committed to feeding our community.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT﻿

Thank You to All Of Our Supporters

Ethan Hunger Raises $225,000 This Year

Thank you Boxx Berry Farm

FOOD FOR THOUGHT