These summer days … food bank needs increase
This article was originally published in July 2002
If there was some way we could express how much we appreciate PCC’s Cash for the Hungry program. It makes a significant difference in the quantity, variety, and quality of food we’re able to offer our clients.
— West Seattle Food Bank
PCC partner food banks are reporting an increase in food bank clients since last fall. Job layoffs, a tighter employment market, and increasing food costs are affecting the food security of many families.
Fran Yeatts, Director of the West Seattle Food Bank, states, “Starting in 2002, our numbers have gone up significantly. From January through April 2002, we’ve had 1,100 more family visits than during the same period last year (a family can be one individual or up to 12 people).
The need becomes most acute during summer months, especially for children. Children who normally rely on free or low-cost school meals often are left without those meals during the summer months.
The best way you can help is to donate at PCC cash registers. One hundred percent of your donation is used to buy food or sent as a check to our partner food banks. Last year, PCC shoppers donated more than $53,000 and PCC volunteers packaged more than 60,000 pounds of food for local food banks.
Volunteers at our food packaging events often ask, “Where does all this food come from?” The answer is: from you. You give the money that buys the food. You volunteer and package it. This program is alive because of PCC shoppers and remains vital because of you.
Cash for the Hungry is a PCC program, so administrative costs are covered by PCC staff. That’s how we can donate 100 percent of the money you contribute. Here are ways you can participate:
- At the checkstand. Let the cashier know how much you’d like to give and it’ll be added to your receipt (tax deductible).
- In the little silver cans at each checkstand. Kids like to donate this way.
- By bringing your own bag to take your groceries home. Each bag means one cent to the program, and another penny to the Farmland Fund. About $800 is collected each month and split between these two efforts.
The funds you give buy nutritious bulk food. It’s delivered to our partner food banks where PCC volunteers package it into individual portions for people in need. It’s as simple as that, but we couldn’t do it without you. Thanks for your support!
Questions? Call 206-547-1222 or email communityrelations@pccmarkets.com
PCC partner food banks are:
- Hopelink/Kirkland Food Bank
- Jewish Family Service
- Northwest Community Services Food Bank
- West Seattle Food Bank
- University District Food Bank
- FamilyWorks Food Bank
- VOA Greenwood Food Bank
- Issaquah Food Bank