In an October 30 press release, Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) announced immediate nationwide food assistance in response to rising demand caused by SNAP benefit cuts and the federal government shutdown. Over the next few weeks, several CCSWW programs — including the Queen Anne Food Bank, King County, the Tri-Parrish Food Bank, Burlington, and The Community Kitchen, Thurston County — will receive 14 pallets of produce from CCUSA to distribute to clients and others affected by the delay.
At the Queen Anne Food Bank, our staff has seen a 70% increase in demand over the past two weeks and have provided food to an additional 375 CCS clients using existing stock. We will continue to meet this growing need as best we can until the new shipments arrive early next week.
CCS program leaders expressed their gratitude for this support:
“We are deeply grateful to Catholic Charities USA for their swift and generous support. This vital food assistance allows us to continue serving our neighbors with dignity and compassion during a time of urgent need.” – Erin Maguire, King County Agency Director
“The Queen Anne Food Bank is grateful to CCUSA for providing additional food for us to continue our life saving work of feeding all who come to us and are hungry.” – Katie O’Neill, King County Regional Network Builder
“At a time when food insecurity is at an all-time high our rural farm worker communities will benefit from the donation of food so generously provided by CCUSA.” – Donna Wells, CCS Northwest Director
“At The Community Kitchen in Olympia, Kitchen Supervisor Christian Serrania has led a dedicated team of volunteers in assembling food boxes filled with donated ingredients. Each box includes recipe cards designed to help recipients prepare nutritious meals using the provided items. In response to the recent loss in SNAP benefits, 200 food boxes were distributed this week to Catholic Community Services clients across Thurston County, offering vital support to households facing increased food insecurity. This effort will be fortified by the CCUSA donations.” – Gabe Ash, Director of Housing and Homeless Services Southwest