What is the real purpose of food banks and why do communities rely on them?

The question is a valid one, and to answer it, we need to understand what food insecurity really means. Because it is not just having a lack of food. It is an overall, systemic lack of personal and financial means, enough to support a consistent way to buy food for a healthy lifestyle. If at the end of any month, you have more days than money, you are food insecure. Period.

Washington ranks well, out of the 50 states in terms of families who are not food insecure. However, for the more than 9% in Washington who do fall in the at risk category, life can look grim without the support of outside sources such as food banks.

Over the past few years, food banks have seen an increase in client numbers. The reasons are complex, and may be attributed to many factors. Following the end COVID era assistance programs, rising inflation, and international pressures, families have had to choose between paying rent or buying food.

Our client base may come as a surprise as well. Clearly low income families are eligible, but a rising number of working households are also needing support. Working families are particularly vulnerable because with an income (even a lower one) they may not qualify for state support, but may struggle to meet their family’s needs. According to the Washington State Department of Agriculture, food banks topped the SNAP program in 2024 and the trend continues this year.

Recently the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) passed, reshaping the SNAP program. It is reducing benefit levels, and limiting eligibility for some veterans, parents of teens, adults over 55 and other demographics. Additionally monies earmarked for SNAP are being required to underwrite administrative costs rather than providing benefits to clients. This will put additional strain on food banks as more and more people seek out food sources.

Our food bank is just one of many in our state who have found ourselves pinched in the middle of a growing clientele and a reduction of federal and financial dollars. As an all volunteer organization, we are finding creative ways to keep our doors open and our hearts and hands ready and available to help our neighbors in need.