Kira Erickson reports from Island County for the Whidbey News-Times. Read the whole story.
All across Whidbey, food banks, pantries and other nonprofit organizations alleviating hunger must contend with increased demand for services coupled with a shortage of funding, food and support.
Food banks, which rely on state and federal funding from the Emergency Food Assistance Program, known as EFAP, are waiting to hear just how much has been cut by the Trump administration. More details are expected to crystallize sometime this week.
They Said It
[Whidbey Island Nourishes] Executive Director Marie Shimada said one in five students are enrolled in WIN’s weekend meal program, which serves a total of 241 youth with delivered groceries or ready-made meals.
“This is more children than what we had enrolled during the pandemic, and I really believe that’s an indicator of where local families are at economically right now,” she said, adding that there has been a 10% increase in the number of clients within the past three months….
Shimada said WIN launched a new fundraising and outreach campaign this month focusing on the high rate of local youth in the programs. In addition, WIN is conducting a pilot program called “Grow a Row” where Deep Harvest Farm in Freeland has sponsored a vegetable bed to grow food for WIN.
“So often, people tell me that they had no idea the need was so high in a community like ours, and I strive everyday to make sure we are getting the reality out there,” Shimada said. “There’s food insecurity all over, including our own quaint South Whidbey.”
Ed. Note: Ms. Shimada was a candidate for Island County Commissioner in District 1 (Central and South Whidbey) in 2024.
