By Christy, (Pre-3’s Parent)
You may not know, but 1 in 5 children in Washington State live in families struggling to put food on the table. That means that about 300,000 children in our area are food insecure.* This time of year is a wonderful time to consider giving to the families around you that are in need. If you are lucky enough to have enough food, there are many ways you can reach out and contribute. Not only are you providing local children food to optimize their health and wellbeing, you are teaching your own children to give back. Remember, children learn best by watching our actions as parents! Here are some easy ways to give back this holiday season.
Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run and Walk – November 22nd
Hopelink’s annual day of fun begins at Marina Park in Kirkland and includes music, balloon art and face painting. The organization provides assistance to low- income families in our community, including an emergency feeding service and emergency family shelter. Registration for the race begins at 9am and the race begins at 10am. The fee is $40 per person, or $35 per person if you are on a team.
Northwest Harvest – Food Drop-off Sites
Many families want to donate food this Thanksgiving but aren’t sure where to donate. This simple act of donating non-perishable foods will make a huge difference for families in our area this season. Follow the link above to find a convenient drop off location provided by Northwest Harvest.
YWCA Adopt-A-Family
Help make a real difference for those struggling in our community by sponsoring a family or donating to this wonderful cause this holiday season. Last year, this program made a difference for more than 1,480 families in our area.
Food Lifeline – Host a Virtual Food Drive
Hosting a large Thanksgiving dinner this year or planning a holiday party? Food Lifeline has created an easy way to host a food drive online and work to end hunger for Western Washington families. Or, you can choose to host a traditional canned food drive. More information available at
NFL – Kick the Hunger Challenge
Excite the sports fans in your family by getting involved with Kick the Hunger Challenge. A nationwide competition between NFL teams, this challenge runs during the 2015-16 football season and strives to provide meals for hungry families in Western Washington. For the last three years, the Seattle Seahawks have won the national challenge. Let’s bring the trophy to Seattle again! (the Kick the Hunger trophy, that is.)
* Statistics provided by Northwest Harvest and Feed Washington