VOA Saying Government Shutdown Impacting Everett, Sultan Food Banks

January 17, 2019

Everett

food bank

The calendar for the VOA Food Bank operations in Everett this month. Click to enlarge.

Word in this afternoon from Brian Smith at Volunteers of America Western Washington of multiple issues for food bank operations in Everett, Sultan and across Snohomish County.
There is an increased demand with some Federal workers using the food banks to get by due to the ongoing shutdown of some portions of the Federal Government. There is also a funding issue caused by the shut down. Here’s the news release received this afternoon.

With the partial Federal Government Shutdown now entering a fourth week and families missing paychecks as a result, Volunteers of America’s Food Banks are here to provide help to those who suddenly find themselves in need of emergency food.

“We want to encourage families and individuals who are impacted by the partial shutdown to come in and get food if they need it,” said Kim Conant, Volunteers of America Food Bank Senior Director.  “We are here to help people in our community during times like this.”

Beyond increasing the need for food and support, significant food resources are also impacted by the partial government shutdown.  Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW) also serves as the food distribution warehouse for all of Snohomish County’s food banks.  This government shutdown means commodity food support that local food banks rely upon is also shut down.

“We purchase literally thousands of pounds of food using FEMA support, which goes to community food banks throughout Snohomish County.  The shutdown means we do not have these funds to buy food – and no ability to get reimbursed for food we purchased to support families over the holidays,” said Brian Smith, Chief Operating Officer at VOAWW.

Volunteers of America’s Everett and Sultan food banks rely on these commodity foods, as well as food from local support, food drives and grocery rescue at local stores.

“Our community is very generous, and we received a lot of support during the holidays.  But our client need peaks during the holidays as well,” said Smith.  Food supplies at the Everett VOAWW food bank are low right now.   Smith indicated that being unable to access usual funding sources makes this even more critical.

“The federal shutdown may seem like it is happening elsewhere, but this impacts our most vulnerable neighbors, right here,” Smith added.

How to get help

If you have never been to the food bank, the process is simple.   In order to make it as easy as possible for community members in need to receive food, participants will be asked to bring ID and a utility or other bill with your address.  You can visit the VOAWW’s Everett food bank at 1230 Broadway. Days, times and locations are posted on the VOAWW website.

Once a month, VOAWW’s Everett food bank is open on Saturday.  This coming Saturday, January 19th, the food bank at 1230 Broadway in Everett will be open from 10 am to 1 pm.

For more information, visit www.voaww.org.  If you are not sure of your nearest food bank, call 211 and Volunteers of America’s Information and Referral specialists can help you connect with food and other resources in your area.



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