SUMMER 2017

The mission of Northwest Harvest is to provide nutritious food to hungry people statewide in a manner that respects their dignity, while fighting to eliminate hunger. Fight to End Hunger Starts Upstream

A message from Chief Executive Officer Shelley Rotondo

At Northwest Harvest, we’ve details of these strengthened our efforts in leading the issues—but these A Mother’s and Father’s Day fight to end hunger in . issues are priorities Gift From Northwest Harvest We continue to be an expert voice for us because of the direct on public policy priorities that impact impact they have on hunger. Northwest Harvest was very excited to give out over $360,000 worth of access to affordable, nutritious food, During the state legislative session, we and now, we are using our expertise premium, organic, non-GMO infant supported the work of housing coalitions formula to its network of food banks in hunger to move policy priorities and family support advocates to expand that work towards ending poverty. across Washington. Each food bank resources for housing and homelessness receiving the gifted formula has been Hunger does not exist in a vacuum: it is programs and strengthen cash assistance directed to freely and generously provide a byproduct of poverty. Hunger exists for families with children. Our federal it to any of their clients with infants. when households lack the income and advocacy works to protect Medicaid and resources they need to meet their access to affordable, quality health care. The inspiration for this gift is to honor our outgoing Hunger Response Network basic needs. Meals will be skipped When an issue is listed on our secondary if it means the money for food must Director, Bonnie Baker, who (after 24 support agenda, Northwest Harvest is years of working in the emergency food otherwise be spent on rent, medicine, making the commitment to educate or other necessities. If we want to end arena) is set to retire this coming fall. This lawmakers, our network, and the gift is her way of saying “thank you” to hunger, then we must make sure that general public about the connection households have a sound economic all the food bank partners throughout between the issue and hunger. We Washington for their tireless work and floor on which to stand and work their speak from our core knowledge base way towards stability and prosperity. dedication to improving the health and and the experiences we hear from wellbeing of their communities. It’s also Our secondary support agenda prioritizes clients and partner agencies; our focus another way to make a positive impact legislative and budget issues in the areas is still on ending hunger in Washington, on families with infants throughout of housing and homelessness, access to and to do that, we must end poverty. our state – helping ensure that our affordable health care, and increasing youngest are receiving the critical economic security. We do not consider nutrients needed for proper growth and ourselves experts on the technical development. “Every day, we’re so impressed by the intense, thoughtful, and dedicated work our partners give at the local level,” said Baker. “We are touched by the “We have a father/daughter living in their car that started compassion they show to families in coming to food bank. They are struggling in many ways crisis, by the love and generosity they show to strangers in need, and by the but being able to access fresh food has helped them countless hours of work they put into immensely with being able to cook fresher/healthier meals strengthening our communities.” in partnership with the safe parking program at the church Northwest Harvest received the formula [where they park]. This has helped them be able to focus at a significantly-reduced rate from more on getting into permanent housing and working on Chris Blake, Chief Operations Officer at the National Diaper Bank Network. their longer term goals.” Northwest Harvest would also like to —Hopelink - Redmond, King County thank Eastside Baby Corner for their role in making this gift happen. 2 :SUMMER 2017

Northwest Harvest Board of Directors 2016-17 “Anyone who seeks Irene Ward, Chair Catholic Community Services help deserves it.” of Western WA —Ruth Velozo, Former Executive Diana Axness, Chair-Elect Director of Northwest Harvest Community Volunteer For 50 years, Northwest Harvest has Eileen Takeuchi, Treasurer provided food to anyone in need Community Volunteer in a manner that respects their Kay Bassett dignity. We don’t ask questions and Heritage University we don’t discriminate. We want all Neal Boling who are in need to feel welcomed. KHQ-TV Currently, many of our newest Kathy Brown neighbors in need are receding into Community Volunteer the shadows, afraid to ask for help Joyce Cameron despite being hungry. National news Providence Health Care Foundation stories have reported how immigrants, regardless of their legal status in Dick Grader Community Volunteer the United States, have withdrawn from food assistance programs like Jeff Grant SNAP and school meals. A few of UPS our partners, particularly those near immigrant program participants, and Tim Groves the Canadian border, have noticed developed welcoming signs in numerous The Boeing Company as much as a 46% decline in Latino languages to let immigrant communities Cris Hales clients. These reports tell us that the know that they are welcome at the Tree Top, Inc fear of deportation is driving many food bank. Additionally, we have built Dan Harkins immigrants to withdraw from services a statewide committee of emergency Triple H Development LLC when they may need help the most. food providers to monitor and analyze SaSa Kirkpatrick We are not experts in immigration trends so we can tell the stories of Community Volunteer law or policy, but we are experts what is happening in our immigrant communities throughout the state. Scott McQuilkin in fighting hunger with dignity and respect for those in need. Northwest We hope our efforts provide reassurance Harvest is actively building coalitions that our nutritious food is available to Brandon Pedersen and facilitating trainings for food banks Alaska Air Group all in need. No one should go hungry on the topic of protecting immigrant because they are afraid to ask for help. Dwight Rives access to food assistance. We’ve Port of disseminated information about Craig Wilson individual legal rights, provided tips Costco Wholesale Corporation on safeguarding data collected from

Northwest Harvest to Host 2017 Closing the Hunger Gap Conference Closing the Hunger Gap (CTHG) is a and their partners across the country health, education, and food justice. national network of organizations are dramatically reimagining their work The conference will be a vibrant, and individuals working to expand to include nutrition education, culinary diverse, and inspiring event where hunger relief efforts beyond food job training, small business incubation, attendees have ample time to learn distribution, and towards strategies connecting farmers to food pantries and new skills, discuss innovative programs, that promote social justice and institutional buyers, and so much more. and network with their peers. address the root causes of hunger. Northwest Harvest is excited to be Both Northwest Harvest and the CTHG envisions a time when all people hosting this year’s national conference CTHG National Network welcome can determine their own futures, on September 11‐13 in Tacoma, WA. your participation. If you would when nutritious food is recognized as This year’s conference brings together like to learn more about the 2017 a human right, and when there is a more than 500 attendees representing CTHG conference, please visit political will to end hunger and its root emergency food providers, farms, and thehungergap.org/2017-conference. causes. Forward‐thinking food banks nonprofit organizations focused on 3 :SUMMER 2017

ROOT OUT HUNGER NORTHWEST HARVEST 50TH ANNIVERSARY

and solving for 50 years. That food is elemental to the thriving of communities. Food is foundational to every other thing you want to do to lift up communities.” Danielson added, “A child cannot learn and cannot feed its mind when their stomach is empty.” (If you would like to view highlights of this event – including the full remarks by Dr. Danielson, please visit northwestharvest.org/fifty-years.) Northwest Harvest commemorated Northwest Harvest’s 50th 50 years of fighting hunger by raising anniversary premier sponsors are over $425,000 at our inaugural Root The Boeing Company and Alaska Out Hunger event on Saturday, April 22. Airlines. Root Out Hunger sponsors Root Out Hunger celebrated the positive included: National Frozen Foods, impact Northwest Harvest has made CenturyLink, and Amazon.com. in communities throughout the state, as well as honored those committed to Additional sponsors of the event improving the health and nutrition of included: UPS, WSECU, ZVNBRGN those affected by hunger and poverty. Funds, Holland America, Baird, United Healthcare, Banner Bank, Clark “Northwest Harvest was just Nuber, Coldwell Banker Danforth, Bill overwhelmed by the support that we & Melinda Gates Foundation, Pugh received at our 50th event,” said the Capital Management, Seattle Children’s, agency’s CEO, Shelley Rotondo. “We are Tree Top, Inc, and Vulcan Inc. truly grateful for the generosity of the “Food is elemental people and businesses that joined us In-kind donors included: Grand Hyatt, in improving the health and wellbeing Tiffany & Co., Canlis, El Gaucho, Johnson to the thriving of of our communities.” Rotondo added, Barrow Co., Seattle Chocolates, Top “Every dollar we raised works to build Pot Doughnuts, Sigillo Cellars, Sun communities.” a healthier, hunger-free Washington.” Liquor, Bellevue Brewing, FinnRiver —Dr. Benjamin Danielson of Seattle’s Farm and Cidery, Chateau Ste. Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic Focusing the event on childhood nutrition, Michelle, William Church Winery, David Northwest Harvest received gifts totaling LeClaire, and Herbivore Botanicals. over $100,000 immediately after Dr. Benjamin Danielson of Seattle’s Odessa Northwest Harvest thanks all its Root Brown Children’s Clinic accepted the 2017 Out Hunger sponsors and contributors Northwest Harvest Ruth Velozo Award. for making such a positive impact in communities around the state. Dr. Danielson addressed the issues surrounding health, nutrition, and Companies and individuals who would childhood development during his still like to support Northwest Harvest’s acceptance remarks. “Our clinic exists childhood nutrition programs, can do in sistership with Northwest Harvest, so by contacting the Northwest Harvest because we have learned the lessons that Development Team at (206) 923-7441 or Northwest Harvest has been teaching [email protected]. 4 :SUMMER 2017

“Thanks to Northwest Harvest, I’m able to help families in my community every day. To serve them and be there with a smile is the greatest thing I can do.” —Cecilia Chavez, Head of Operations, Toppenish Food Bank

Dr. Benjamin Danielson and Cecilia Chavez 5 :SUMMER 2017

More events and WASHINGTON up-to-the-minute details at: EVENTS Western | Central | Eastern northwestharvest.org THANK YOU, EVENT SUPPORTERS! - To everyone who contributed in any way, NORTHWEST thank you for making a difference! CENTURYLINK BACKPACK HARVEST NIGHT AT BUDDIES FOOD DRIVE THE BALLPARK GiveBIG June 5- 16 Saturday, August 11 During The Seattle Foundation’s one-day, For every $1 you give during the Join us for the 2nd annual Northwest online fundraising event, nearly 1,000 CenturyLink Food Drive, CenturyLink Harvest Night at the Ballpark as the supporters donated to Northwest Harvest. will provide a match for up to $1 million. Tacoma Rainiers take on the Reno Aces In total, Northwest Harvest received over See details at northwestharvest. at Cheney Stadium. We’ll be collecting $300,000 in GiveBIG donations. To all org/centurylink-food-drive. donations of non-perishable food and who GaveBIG, thank you! Your support cash at the entry gates. See you there! allows us to provide millions of nutritious meals across Washington. A special FIGHT HUNGER thank you goes to Wyncote Foundation Saturday, june 24 SAVE THE DATE NW for helping us reach our goal. For 29 years, the Mariners for Yakima’s Signature Event! FORD PEANUT BUTTER DRIVE have hosted the Fight Ford auto dealers throughout Washington Hunger event prior to an M’s game. partnered with Northwest Harvest and your Volunteers and staff collect food and local food bank to collect peanut butter funds from fans as they enter the to help feed kids during the summer. stadium. This year the Houston Astros come to town for the 7:10 p.m. game. GLOW FOR HUNGER Saturday, October 14 The 3rd Annual Glow for Hunger kids run RED, WHITE & BREW 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Selah Civic Center is in the books. Close to 1000 kids and their July 27, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. parents participated in this epic 1-mile Join Seattle Magazine’s tasting event course lighted with 45+ glowing structures. of the summer: Red, White & Brew. This year’s event helped raise enough Now in its sixth year, the event honors money to provide over 80,000 meals! the winning wineries featured in CRUSH HUNGER Seattle Magazine’s Best Washington Thank you for joining us at Spokane’s Wine Awards, selected by a panel of signature event! We gratefully acknowledge the top local sommeliers and wine Banner Bank for their sponsorship. professionals. Portion of proceeds benefit Northwest Harvest. More TOP POT NATIONAL DOUGHNUT DAY information and tickets available at: Nearly 20 Top Pot Doughnut cafes around seattlemag.com/red-white-brew-2017. Puget Sound celebrated their favorite holiday by collecting food and funds in support of Northwest Harvest.

United States Department of Agriculture Hunger Doesn’t the state to help families locate School’s Out! the nearest summer meal site. Take A Summer These sites, usually in park settings, UP provide areas for kids to congregate Vacation and eat a healthy meal together. POWER Unfortunately, there are many for Fruits, vegetables, and well-rounded  communities without these summer Summer meals are crucial to helping our meal sites. To combat this problem, Fun! kids grow big and strong through Northwest Harvest started the Kids the summer months. Without Summer Food Club. Working with SUMMER MEALS for KIDS & TEENS the meals provided throughout hunger relief partners located in Being Served in Your Community the school year, families are left areas with no summer meal sites, picking up the pieces. Summer Kids Summer Food Club provides kid- To find a nearby site: meal programs are here to help. Call 1-866-348-6479 friendly food bags in these areas. This Go to www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks Summer meal programs across the summer, 18 programs around the state Text FOOD to 877-877 operated by a USDA partner state provide nutritious meals to are providing summer meals through kids ages 18 and younger. Northwest this program, ensuring that health, Open to all children 18 and younger Harvest works with partners around not hunger, is part of summer break. NO Enrollment, NO Cost!

U.S. Department of Agriculture | Food and Nutrition Service | FNS-490 | May 2015 | USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider P.O. BOX 12272 Non-Profit Org SEATTLE, WA 98102 800.722.6924 U.S. Postage PAID northwestharvest.org Seattle, WA @NWHarvest Permit No. 5587 facebook.com/NWHarvest

HUNGER STOPS HERE.

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Yakima’s First Ways Teen Board Of to Directors GIVE This team has done a wonderful job educating and DONATE engaging other students in Whether your gift is cash, stock or loose the community to help in the change, your generous support makes a big difference. With our purchasing fight against hunger! They are power, a gift of just 67 cents can provide currently recruiting other high a nutritious meal for a family of three! school teens to fill available spots on the Board! If you CREATE A LEGACY know someone that might TO END HUNGER be interested, have them go You can name Northwest Harvest in to northwestharvest.org/ your will, life insurance, living trust or central-washington for an IRA. You can also make a difference info sheet and application. with a gift of stocks and bonds, or even property. Contact Todd Girouard, Donor Relations Manager, at 206.923.7441 or [email protected]. SET UP A RECURRING GIFT “A young teen who we had helped a few years back showed Making a monthly or quarterly gift is up with a neighbor who had just moved in next door. He easier on your budget and is a great way to provide sustained support for Northwest said, ‘When he said he didn’t have any food, I said I know a Harvest throughout the year. A $10 place that can help and showed him the way down here.’” monthly gift provides a meal a day for the entire year! To set up a recurring gift, visit —Algona/Pacific Food Pantry, Klickitat County northwestharvest.org/recurring giving or call our Development Team at 206.923.7480.