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Across Washington, a Silent Crisis is Deepening

Food insecurity is a painful reality for too many families, and as vital safety net programs are cut and benefits shrink, the challenges grow exponentially. Every day more families are turning to local food banks for support—but these essential community hubs are stretched thin, facing immense pressure from all sides. 

Amid this urgent need, Ballard Food Bank’s mission shines brightly: to bring food and hope to our neighbors, because there can be enough for everyone. Their work is built on a foundation of dignity and care. Their grocery-style food bank allows visitors to choose what they need and want freely. The Kindness Café offers warm meals and connection, and the Community Resource Hub links people to essential services—all under one roof. 

On September 19, 2025, fifteen members of the WithinReach team spent an afternoon volunteering at Ballard Food Bank. We were grateful and proud to offer a total of 45 volunteer hours, supporting two vital programs that extend Ballard Food Bank’s impact beyond its walls. 

We packed 298 home delivery bags filled with fresh produce, proteins, dairy, and non-perishable items. Each bag was delivered to neighbors across Seattle, ensuring they receive balanced, nutritious food right at their doors. 

We also assembled 650 pencil pouches to be given to students when they pick up their weekend meals. This critical program provides easy-to-prepare, nutritious food to bridge the gap outside of school—so kids in Northwest Seattle can focus on learning, not hunger. 

For our team, visiting Ballard Food Bank was deeply moving. 

“I really appreciated how the space was designed to look and feel like a grocery store,” said Lupita Ruelas, Help Me Grow WA Coordinator at WithinReach. “That intentional design choice makes such a difference—it creates an atmosphere of dignity and respect, allowing people to come in without feeling shame about needing support.” Reflecting on her own experience, she shared: “I grew up going to food banks, and back then, the experience often came with embarrassment. Seeing Ballard Food Bank reimagine what that experience can look like reminded me of how powerful it is when communities lead with compassion. It felt healing and hopeful to see a model that not only provides food but also honors people’s humanity.”

When Systems Break Down, Families Feel It First 

During our visit, Ballard Food Bank’s Community Engagement Specialist, Jee Hye Kang, shared how recent policy changes create ripple effects that strain the entire support system. When benefits are reduced, demand on food banks surges. At the same time, food banks are receiving fewer donations. Many traditional donors—like local grocery stores—are navigating tighter margins and finding new ways to reduce losses. 

Kang gave a striking example: instead of donating meat nearing its shelf life, grocers are now more likely to cook and sell it through their deli sections. While this makes sense from a business perspective, it means fewer resources for food banks and a reduced ability to provide families with the diversity of foods needed for a balanced, nutritious diet. 

“Hearing how policy decisions impact local systems was eye-opening,” shared Maricruz Sanchez, Help Me Grow WA Assistant Program Director at WithinReach. “These changes don’t just affect families—they strain the entire network of people and programs working to keep our communities nourished.” 

Hope, Action, and the Path Forward 

The challenges facing families and our community partners are immense. As the state’s essential resource connector, WithinReach strengthens the system by linking families to vital resources across Washington.  

💜 This Giving Tuesday, join us in nourishing our community.  Your gift powers our navigators to connect families to food banks, WIC and SNAP benefits, and the dignity of choice.