Happy Spring! We hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy some sunshine and all the blooming signs of the season. It’s amazing how a little light after a long Winter can lift our spirits.
The first quarter of the year has been exceptionally busy at the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank. We’ve consistently served more than 900 households during each market week and welcomed a stream of new families seeking support .
Many of you have inquired about how recent changes in government funding are impacting our operations. While the full effects are still unfolding, one thing is clear: we are experiencing a substantial decrease in federally funded commodity food—potentially up to 50% less than in previous years. This represents an estimated loss of $156,000 in essential food resources. Fortunately, new funding from King County will help mitigate part of this gap. However, we still anticipate fewer dry goods on our shelves as the demand for services continues to rise.
The deeper concern lies in how these federal cuts are affecting our neighbors. Reductions to individual benefits such as SNAP and, potentially, Medicaid are creating increased anxiety and hardship for those who are living at or below the poverty line. As these safety nets are weakened, we expect a continued rise in the number of individuals and families turning to us for support.
On a more hopeful note, the recently approved state budget includes ongoing investments in emergency food assistance, housing, and support for immigrants and refugees. This is a welcome development for both our organization and the broader community. Still, given the high cost of living in our region and the shifting landscape of federal aid, we are preparing for continued growth in need throughout the year.
Many of you have also asked: "How can I help?" That’s one of the things we love most about this community—your willingness to step up. Here are some impactful ways to support our mission:
In these uncertain times, we’re proud to come together to provide a steady source of support for our neighbors. We remain deeply committed to creating a welcoming, respectful space for everyone who walks through our doors. Thank you for being a vital part of this work.
Let’s continue to bring light to those who need it most.
For more information about any of these ways you can help, please reach out to communications@issaquahfoodbank.org.