Nourish Pierce County

September 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends and supporters,


I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who attended our recent fundraising luncheon. Thanks to your generosity, we raised an astounding $80,000 to help purchase food for our community.


As you may know, food insecurity is a pressing issue in Pierce County, with 1 in 8 people struggling to access enough nutritious food. Many families are facing tough choices between paying for rent or utilities and putting food on the table. Your contributions will make a significant impact to address these challenges, particularly as we are currently grappling with extremely low food supplies.


Nourish is facing what I can only call a food shortage crisis. Simply put, we do not have enough food to meet the increasing need we are seeing this year. The reason our shelves are bare? There just is not enough food in the national hunger relief system. This rise in food insecurity has led to higher demand for assistance, outpacing the available supply of commodities from the US Department of Agriculture.

 

They say a picture says a thousand words…the photo on the left is what our food banks normally look like; the photo on the right is a recent photo. Quite a difference! 

The lack of food combined with increased costs have made it difficult for Nourish to meet the needs of our food-insecure neighbors. From January through August 2024, Nourish had 40,750 more visits than the same time last year. To meet the rapidly growing need, we would need to add $1.5 million to our food purchasing budget which is already at a record high of $700,000.

 

If you couldn’t attend the luncheon, I encourage you to consider making a gift now. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us provide essential resources to those in need. Your generosity will mean the world to everyone we serve.

 

Thank you once again for your support and commitment to fighting hunger in our community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.


Warmly,


Sue Potter

CEO

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More Neighbors are in Need

So far this year, Nourish has seen 16% more guests than in the same time period in 2023. That is 40,750 more visits than last year - and the number continues to grow.

A Place at Our Table Luncheon

Thanks to everyone who attended our annual luncheon! Together we raised nearly $80,000 for people facing food insecurity in our community! If you haven't already, click on the video below to view Jaime's incredible story.

"Thank you so much for keeping our family in a state where we can thrive and not just survive. Where it's not just the bare minimum but it's quality food and we are so grateful for that." - Jaime, Food Bank Guest

Interested in becoming a Table Captains or Sponsor in 2025?

If you are interested in supporting Nourish by inviting friends or your business to future events, contact development@nourishpc.org or call 253-383-3164 for more information.

Volunteer Spotlight


Betty Palmer and Olive Staley have both have volunteered at Nourish’s Southeast food bank for a decade. While they come from different backgrounds - Betty was a homemaker and Olive was a nurse – together they are the backbone of the Tuesday, and Thursday re-bag team. They are pictured here at Southeast and posing with scarecrows which Olive enjoys making in her spare time!

Make a Difference with Your IRA


As we navigate through challenging times, the importance of community support has never been clearer – or more necessary. One way you can make a big difference is by making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to Nourish. Here’s why this is a win-win for everyone involved.


What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution?

A QCD allows individuals aged 70½ or older to give up to $100,000 per year directly from their IRA to a qualified charity, such as Nourish, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. This distribution counts towards your required minimum distribution (RMD) but is not included in your taxable income.


Benefits of Making a QCD

Tax Advantages: By making a QCD, you can reduce your taxable income, which may lower your overall tax bill. This is particularly beneficial if you do not itemize deductions on your tax return.

Meeting RMD Requirements: For those required to take RMDs, a QCD can satisfy this requirement without increasing your taxable income.

Supporting a Vital Cause: Nourish plays a crucial role in providing nutritious food to those in need. Your donation can help ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.


How to Make a QCD

Contact Your IRA Custodian: Inform your IRA custodian that you wish to make a QCD. They will provide the necessary forms and instructions.

Choose Your Charity: Nourish Pierce County 1702 S 72nd St, Suite E, Tacoma, WA 98408 TIN 91-1198391

Complete the Transfer: Your IRA custodian will transfer the funds directly to Nourish. Be sure to keep records of the transaction for your tax return.


Why Support Nourish?

Nourish food banks are lifelines for many families, providing essential nutrition and support. By directing your QCD to Nourish, you are directly contributing to the well-being of your community. Your generosity can help stock shelves, support food distribution efforts, and provide meals to those who need them most.


Take Action Today

Consider making a QCD from your IRA to Nourish. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make a significant impact. For more information, consult with your financial advisor or IRA custodian.


Together, we can ensure that everyone in our community has access to the food they need. Thank you for your generosity and support!


For further information or if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Marion Sharp at (253) 383-3164 extension 109 or development@nourishpc.org.

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