This year has underscored the importance of planting our roots deep, where erosion won't undercut support for our neighbors. It comes at a time when inflation is threatening household budgets across the country, coupled with rising health care premiums, and the most significant cuts to health and human services in our country's history.

We've heard from neighbors who had to make hard choices when they didn't receive their SNAP benefits on schedule in November due to the government shutdown, and others, whose benefits have been permanently altered or eliminated due to changes in eligibility criteria. All of these are pressure points that build on one another.

Since the end of October, we’ve seen a _% increase in food guests coming for grocery shopping and a _% increase in SPARK To-Go Lunch guests. Among the most startling is the increase we've seen in folks applying to our helpline—a last resort for financial assistance—which saw a 150% increase in applications in November.

In response, we've adjusted our services to better support what our neighbors are facing:

Scaling our food purchasing budget to provide access for new folks
Removing limits in our grocery store so that our neighbors can access the food support they need
Investing additional funds in our Helpline program to increase the maximum amount available to those who apply

Your support ensures that we stay rooted no matter what lies ahead, enabling us to make intentional adjustments to better serve our neighbors and work together on creative solutions that strengthen our support.

Rooted in Community Care

By RAINIER VALLEY FOOD BANK

Rooted in Community Care

Team Members