Hey friends,
As the current government shutdown continues, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will stop at the end of this month. Folks who rely on those benefits to feed themselves and their families will need other resources, and we expect our food banks to face an increased demand. This feels extra cruel coming at the start of the winter holiday season when food banks already see an increase in demand over their usual need.
So, we are hosting a No Hunger November food drive! We have a box in our lobby, and we ask that you please fill it with non-perishable and unexpired food! If the box is full, please leave your donations next to the box. Rachael Collins and I will be doing periodic drops to the University District Food Bank as things fill up.
We’ve chosen the U-District food bank because our zip code (98103) is one of their primary service areas, they do not turn anyone away based on their residential address (or lack thereof), and because I have a personal connection from years of volunteer service with them (before owning a studio ate my time!)
Please DO donate:
- Unexpired dry goods, canned goods, non-perishables, and holiday staples (stuffing mix, canned cranberry sauce, etc)
• Pet food, hygiene products (toothpaste, soap, tampons, etc), and specialty foods (baby formula, shelf-stable milk, allergen-friendly and specialty diet foods).
Please DO NOT donate:
• Expired foods, opened food items, dented or rusted canned goods, or homemade/home-canned items.
• Alcohol, drugs, or medications – not even over-the-counter items like Tylenol or cough syrup
• Fresh produce or frozen/refrigerated items. While the U-District food bank does distribute fresh foods, we will not be doing drops every day and have no way to store these things.
Let’s all come together and help keep our neighbors fed! Thank you all for your time, and your participation!
Jen
