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Feeding Hope: Sharon’s Story
For Sharon, the food distributions at Mead Food Bank help solve two problems: affording the basics on a tight budget and keeping herself safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A trip to the grocery store brings Sharon layers of stress. At 68, her retirement income is much smaller than it was during her two decades working as a City of Spokane employee. Her age also puts her at elevated risk for COVID-19 complications.
“These distributions have really been helpful. It keeps me from having to not only spend the money but also from going around a bunch of people for just the basics,” she said.
“These distributions have really been helpful. It keeps me from having to not only spend the money but also from going around a bunch of people for just the basics.”
Before the pandemic, Sharon had never visited a food bank before. Now, she’s not only using the food to help herself through this time but also sharing it with family and neighbors who could use a boost. She often shares the food she receives with her son, a father to three kids and a small business owner, as he’s seen his income drop significantly during the pandemic. Neighbors who’ve been hit hard by the crisis also are grateful for the food Sharon shares. “I don’t let any of it go to waste,” she said.
“For somebody that doesn’t have a lot of money or is no longer getting a paycheck, these are crucial for them. They’re so wonderful.”
As she waited in the long line of cars for the distribution to begin, Sharon expressed gratitude for the people who made the event possible. “Thank you very much. It’s very appreciated—I think probably by everybody that comes here. But I know I appreciate it, and the people I have shared it with really appreciate it,” she said. “I just think that this is a blessing. It really is.”

How to Host a Fundraiser – September 22
Looking for a fun way to celebrate your birthday, company event or holiday? Hosting a fundraiser for Second Harvest is easy and makes an impact. You can raise funds online or host a food drive in person. We’ll give you the tools to get set up, share your event and start collecting. Every dollar donated makes a difference for neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

Serving Those Who Serve Our Country – September 15
Steve and his wife both retired from the Army, and he also spent time as a civil engineer in the Navy. His career has been a life of service to our country. Today, he is a member of the civilian workforce at Fairchild Air Force Base.
With economics the way they are today, Steve accesses Second Harvest Mobile Market free food distributions on base.
Naturally cheery, Steve manages a smile even when he explains “Times are hard.” Simultaneously, he proudly adds, “We have two kids, 13 and 14. They eat like crazy and are growing like mad.”

Back to School with Bite2Go – September 8
Bite2Go is a weekend food program for students facing chronic food shortages at home. Bite2Go gives children access to a mix of nutritious, nonperishable and ready-to-eat meals and snacks for the weekend, helping kids return to school ready to learn on Mondays. At the heart of the program is the adoptive organization. Bite2Go relies on businesses, churches and civic groups to “adopt” a school, and through that engagement and funding model, provide students with food for the weekends through the school year.

Feeding Eastern Washington and North Idaho
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