The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank believes that food is a right and not a privilege. This right is not dependent on the color of one's skin, where they're from, their socioeconomic status, or any other factor. In the wise words of our Founder, Bob Gray, "if people say they need food, they need food. They shouldn't have to beg for it; it should be a right."
Today, more than ever, we need to come together as a united strong voice to influence changes within societal systems that continue to foster poverty and discrimination. We hope you will join us in promoting the value of every human being and working towards a hunger-free community for all.
The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank (IFCB) stands with people of color in our community. We are inspired by those across our nation who seek an end to racism and oppressive systems built on allowing the ‘status quo’ of racism to continue.
We recognize what an important role we each play individually and as an organization. We recognize our own places of privilege within our communities and society as a whole and realize we must not stand by and allow the current system of racism, hate, unconscious bias, systemic discrimination, and inequity to continue.
We hold our core values of respect, support, acceptance, and partnership close with every decision we make. We also believe in continual improvement and recognize that, as a pillar nonprofit in our community, we have a responsibility to grow and learn about taking the lead in ending inequity and racism locally.
We invite you to stand with us in rejecting social injustice and racism, and as we learn how to listen better, support each other more effectively, and truly create systems that embrace and promote real equity.
It is apparent that the LGBTQ+ community are among the more vulnerable of people, being denied employment, housing, social services such as healthcare, and even access to certain food banks. According to Hunger Free America, the LGBTQ+ community face hunger and food-insecurity at higher rates than the entire population with as many as 27% (2.2 million people) having trouble affording enough food.
The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank will never refuse service based on race, gender, or sexual orientation. Our values — Respect, Support, Acceptance, and Partnership — mean that we believe in respect and equity; in nurturing, supporting, and being non-judgmental and accepting. We believe in living authentically and providing a safe space for everybody.
We want to respectfully acknowledge the Snoqualmie Tribe, who have stewarded the ancestral lands on which the food bank operates throughout the generations.