1. Founded in 1967, Northwest Harvest is the only non-profit food bank distributor
operating statewide, with a network of more than 370 food banks, meal programs
and high-need schools. We provide over 2 million meals every month to feed the
hungry, distributing over 32 million pounds of food annually.
We are independent, local and home grown. Our philosophy is a little different:
we charge nothing for the food we provide to partner programs, and require that
Northwest Harvest food be given freely to anyone who needs help and asks for
food, respecting their dignity while serving their need.
Our statewide capacity allows us to reach people who might otherwise go hungry.
Distribution centers in coastal, western, central and eastern Washington allow us to
efficiently and effectively reach even rural communities where people in need would otherwise go hungry.
We are committed to lifting up the voices of those in need. Throughout the year, we travel the state to hear from
clients about their experiences with hunger, and to meet with hunger relief programs to understand trends. We serve
on the front line at our Cherry Street Food Bank. We use all this information to
work with policy makers to address hunger and its core causes.
Fast Facts about Northwest Harvest:
• Last year, Northwest Harvest distributed more than 32 million pounds of food
statewide.
• More than 1/4 of our food is purchased, helping ensure a stable mix of highly
nutritious food.
• We provide food free of charge to more than 370 hunger relief programs.
• We ask that our food be given out without any restrictions.
• We collaborate across the state to champion long-term solutions to hunger
and poverty. This includes advocacy in Olympia and with our Congressional
delegation.
Fast Facts about Hunger in Washington State:
• Washington is one of only three states where poverty increased in 2013.
• 1 in 7 people struggle with hunger.
• 1 in 5 children struggle with hunger.
• 2 in 5 children live in families that struggle to make ends meet.