EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA.
NATIONAL GUARD DEMOBILIATION AND WEEKLY FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS – MARCH 12
NATIONAL GUARD DEMOBILIZATION
After almost a year of helping Second Harvest respond to elevated need during the pandemic, the National Guard will demobilize from our Spokane hunger solution center at the end of March.
As many as 60 Guard members have been on hand during a time when Second Harvest had to significantly reduce volunteers to keep people safe. Guard members had been deployed to our Pasco hunger solution center until December as well. Guard members tackled a variety of tasks – from driving forklifts and food delivery trucks to packing food boxes and staffing Mobile Market free food distributions. They also have supported other crucial planning and logistics needs.
Second Harvest is immensely grateful for all the Guard members who stepped up in a big way to ensure there were no interruptions in service while our volunteer numbers were down. During normal times, Second Harvest relies heavily on volunteers – about 8,000 a year – to help get food to where it’s needed most. Today many of our dedicated volunteers are eager to return their numbers to pre–pandemic levels, which will be essential to meeting the need through the duration of the crisis and long into the recovery. Second Harvest is equipped to safely welcome back volunteers.
Guard members truly have filled an urgent community need, and they have been critical to ensuring access to nutritious food during the crisis for people facing hunger. Thank you, Washington National Guard, for your service at Second Harvest! You can read more about the National Guard’s demobilization here.
SPECIAL WEEKLY FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS WRAP UP
In response to the increased need for food assistance during the COVID-19 crisis, Second Harvest teamed up with community partners and volunteers for weekly food distributions at schools, churches and other locations in and around Spokane. Although this was the last week for these targeted distributions, we know they were a helpful resource for many families. We encourage anyone currently in need of food assistance to find a local food pantry here or check our Mobile Market schedule here. Second Harvest is grateful for the incredible people who stepped forward a year ago when we asked for help and made the special weekly food distributions possible. Thank you!
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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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