The calendar has turned to a new year, but is it a time for optimism? COVID remains very real and adds to the reasons that far too many still struggle to get their most basic needs addressed in our community, and in our country at large. However, Bellingham Food Bank is moving forward in 2022 with energy and a commitment to improved food access for all.

In addition to our regular work, we spent the last weeks of 2021 examining our Mission, Vision, and Values and designing our three-year strategic plan. To us, these are more than just words on our website or on pieces of paper. They are our roadmap for our activities and programs that will help make sure people have access to the food they need and want. We have plans to improve food access for all who live in Whatcom County, to broaden the types of food we offer to our customers, and to regularly get feedback and input from those experiencing food insecurity. We also remain committed to disrupting the systems that keep so many of our neighbors poorly fed and will continue to work to become and antiracist organization. In 2022, expect to see an expanded home delivery program, new distribution opportunities, and more diverse and culturally-familiar foods being offered.

Our staff is certainly tired; this work is challenging and rewarding, and the pandemic has added an extra tough wrinkle. Our hard work has also brought us closer together as a team and we are energized by our collective commitment and belief that hunger is unacceptable. I’m excited to invite you to join our work in any way that fits your interests or needs this year.

-Mike Cohen,

Executive Director

2021 was full of ups and downs. For our food bank, 2021 brought the return of in person shopping in July after 16 long months of drive through and home delivery services only. We increased our partnership and collaboration to provide groceries for healthcare centers, unhoused folks and those displaced during Whatcom County flooding. We hosted other service organizations to offer vaccine clinics, book distributions and voter registration. As our services expanded, we hired additional operations staff, welcomed new volunteers each week and created our next three year strategic plan. 

Through all of the growth and change, we remained committed to fighting hunger with your help.

Thank you for supporting us in 2021!

HUNGER ACTION DAY

Washington state’s Hunger Action Day is Monday, February 7! Register here to participate.

The Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition’s annual lobby day will be virtual again this year and there is a week of virtual activities planned leading up to Hunger Action Day.

To learn more about Food Lifeline’s advocacy efforts and read their 2022 Advocacy Agenda, visit https://foodlifeline.org/advocacy

FOOD4TOTS GROWTH

Thanks to a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce, our food bank is now also a diaper bank! 

From the WA Diaper Program FAQ’s: “Diaper Banks are defined as a social institution or nonprofit organization which provides diapers, wipes, etc., to people in poverty and families in need. Diaper banks accept donations, diapers supplies, and grant funds to provide for children and distribute diapers to partner agencies for distribution to people in their social programs in need of diapers.”

While our distributions have included diapers, baby food and baby formula for a decade, this grant funding will be a huge support to our ongoing baby item purchases through June 2023. We hope that BFB, as well as other WA Diaper Program fund recipients, will help families feel more confident and secure that they can take care of their needs as their children grow!

Bellingham Food Bank is a nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors and positions are currently open.

If you are interested in supporting BFB with your time and talents for an average of 4 hours per month, please inquire by emailing us! 

Please send an email with subject “Board Inquiry” to [email protected] to learn more about the board’s values and current needs.

STAFF CORNER

Introducing new Administrative Specialist Erin!

Erin comes to BFB with a background in librarianship. Her skills in information management and customer service make her a great fit for our Administrative team. 

While not focused on making BFB a brighter place, she enjoys reading, hiking, and exploring Whatcom with her family. She is excited to dive into her work at BFB, especially getting to know the community we serve. 

Welcome Erin!

SHOP

1824 Ellis St

MONDAY 10am-6pm

WEDNESDAY 10am-6pm

FRIDAY 10am-6pm

PICK UP

Christ the King Church

4173 Meridian St 

TUESDAY 3-6pm

HOME DELIVERY

FRIDAYS 9am-3pm

bellinghamfoodbank.org/home-delivery