Summer is an important time to support hunger relief for kids in our region. The summer months can often be a time when donations to our region’s food banks fall short of what’s needed. The holiday giving season is far off in the wintery future and many people have busy summer schedules. But because school is out and many children don’t have access to the daily school lunchs their families count on during the school year, summer can be a time of high demand and low supply for food banks. Currently, in Washington State, only 11% of children who receive free and reduced cost meals during the school year have access to free summer meal programs.
That’s why Salal is once again partnering with Northwest Harvest to hold a food drive July 9-27. Please visit any of our branches during our drive and donate food or financial contributions. Funds may also be donated through the Salal Foundation. All funds contributed to the Salal Foundation via our website or in a branch between July 9th and July 27th will benefit Northwest Harvest. The Salal Foundation will match up to $2,500 in donations.
Even a small amount of money can make a big difference: with just 67 cents Northwest Harvest can provide a nutritious meal for a family of three; with $20 they can feed a child for a month.
Northwest Harvest is the only nonprofit food bank distributor operating statewide in Washington, with a network serving 375 food banks, meal programs, and high-need schools. Through this network they provide more than 2 million meals every month to people in need in our communities.
Suggested Donation Items
General food
- Beef stew, chili and similar meals with low salt, sugar and saturated fats
- Canned fruit, especially with low sugar (but not artificial sweeteners)
- Canned fish or meat
- Peanut butter (plastic jars are preferred)
- Canned vegetables (low sodium)
- Brown rice
- Whole grain pastas
- Canned tomato sauces
- Shelf-stable milk
Infant and baby food
- Baby formula
- Jars of baby food
- Powdered or canned milk
- Infant cereal
Please Check Expiration Dates
Please make sure your food donations are not expired. NW Harvest cannot serve expired food.
We look forward to seeing you in our branches and supporting Northwest Harvest in July.