77,000⁺ pounds of food, close to $10,000 received

The Eastside Month of Concern for the Hungry, “Share What You Can,” campaign is excited to announce that from September 26 through October 24, 2009, East King County food bank shelves were filled thanks to the 77,000+ pounds of food collected and cash donations received totaling almost $10,000, including a $5,000 contribution from Walmart. The cities of Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Redmond, and Sammamish participated in the Month of Concern for the Hungry and encouraged their residents to donate food in this month long drive.

The emphasis for the month-long drive was to “Share What You Can” and fill food bank shelves with non-perishable food items before the holidays. Eastside Month of Concern for the Hungry was a community-wide effort benefitting all local area food banks, including Hopelink, Emergency Feeding Program, ARAS Foundation, Issaquah Food Bank, Mercer Island Food Pantry, and Renewal Food program. Neighborhood associations, community leaders, faith organizations, businesses, hospitals and schools organized local efforts by hosting food drives and fundraising events in their city.

“The recent economic collapse and lingering recession have created a real crisis in our community. With so many jobs lost, retirement nest-eggs depleted, and homes in danger of foreclosure, far too many of our neighbors are struggling to keep something as basic as nutritious food on the family table. But with this crisis, we are finding something else as well. We are finding that we live in a community that truly cares and wants to help its residents hold on until the economy gets better. Through efforts like the Eastside Month of Concern for the Hungry, East King County residents are coming together to provide not only much needed food for those who are struggling, but real hope that working together, we can help each other in the community. We are all deeply grateful to everyone who participated,” said Brian Anderson, Operations Director, Emergency Feeding Program.

For more information on the results of the drive, visit www.eastsideforum.org/fooddrive or contact Carrie Hite, Deputy Director, City of Kirkland, Parks & Community Services Department at 425-587-3320 or chite@ci.kirkland.wa.us.

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