The Reality of Hunger
When we think of those suffering from hunger, images of people struggling in developing countries often come to mind. Commercials or news programs that show unfortunate men, women and children living in makeshift homes in countries with unstable governments and economies are flashed on our TV screens. When we think of hunger on a local level, we might think it is confined to the growing homeless population in and around downtown Seattle. Anyone driving into the city lately can see encampments erected just a few feet from a busy interstate. We might think that hunger is confined to less fortunate parts of the world or major metropolitan areas, but it is a reality in communities large and small, poor and wealthy, even right here in Edmonds.
According to Alison Cook, executive director of the Carol Rowe Memorial Edmonds Food Bank, when the food back opened in October of 1981, it served about 30 families per month out of a church basement. “We now provide food for 300 to 350 families each week at our food bank location at Edmonds United Methodist Church,” said Cook. Cook has recently taken over as director from Peggy Kennedy who along with Gretchen Dixon, started the food bank out of a closet in the church basement. Kennedy and Dixon decided to name the food bank after Carol Rowe who operated the first ever Edmonds area food bank out of her home in the 1960s.
Another common myth about those utilizing food banks is that it is mostly single men living on the streets when in fact those most in need are often not homeless, but families coping with a recent struggle. A job loss, major medical expense, family crisis, or a cut in benefits can have local families and individuals in sudden need of assistance, something they might never have needed in the past. Those that fall on hard times often just need a “pick-me-up” to help get them through their struggles until they are back on their feet. No matter what the situation, the volunteers at the Carol Rowe Memorial Food Bank are ready to assist their neighbors.
Fresh food is distributed to different groups each Tuesday beginning at 9:20am for Edmonds residents with work/student privileges. Next, those with disabilities are welcomed followed by all remaining Edmonds residents at approximately 10am. Once all Edmonds residents have been served, those from surrounding areas are welcomed.
“All who come are welcome. The Edmonds Food Bank serves not only Edmonds residents but also people from our surrounding communities,” said Cook. “Our volunteers consist of church members as well as members of our community.”
Food is distributed at the Edmonds United Methodist Church located at 828 Caspers Street. This organization is a success because of volunteers and continued donations of both food and money. You can help your local food bank in several ways: by making a financial donation for the purchase of food, donating goods and/or volunteering a few hours of your time to help those in our community in need of assistance. The Carol Rowe Memorial Food Bank carries a variety of goods but is always in need of a few staples.
“Canned tuna, chili, canned stew, peanut butter, pasta, canned vegetables and canned fruit are always needed items,” said Cook.
Household items are also welcome such as single use toiletries, toilet paper, and diapers, especially sizes 5 and 6. Another unique way you can help bring some added nutrition to the food bank is donating fresh fruits and vegetables from your home garden. Having fresh food available ensures a healthier diet for adults and children. Those who have perishable items to donate can bring those by United Methodist on Sunday or Monday so items don’t spoil before Tuesday pickup.
In addition to running the weekly food bank, United Methodist also partners with Trinity Lutheran Church of Lynnwood and its Neighbors in Need program. This program serves a hot breakfast Saturday mornings as well as a bag of groceries and clothing if needed. The Carol Rowe Memorial Food Bank assists about 75 additional people each week through this program.
As one of the most wealthy and powerful countries in the world, it’s hard for us to imagine that we have a hunger problem here at home. According to Feeding America, in 2014 more than 48 million Americans were living in food insecure households, including 15 million children. Fourteen percent of our households are considered food insecure. This is not just an inner city problem but one with families struggling in rural, suburban and affluent areas as well.
The Carol Rowe Memorial Food Bank is one of thousands of organizations across the country giving those landing on hard times assistance with food. It’s a terrible decision to make between paying bills, keeping the lights on and buying food, and for many in our country it’s a weekly reality. If you would like more information on how you can help with your local food bank, you can contact Executive Director Alison Cook at 425.778.5833 or visit the food bank website at edmondsumc.org. Helping your neighbors with assistance during their time of most need can bring joy to both their lives and your own.
