By Andra Smith
Executive Director, Sequim Food Bank
This month, we bring you news from the Sequim Food Bank that underscores what many of you have likely sensed — a growing need in our community. But we also see it as an opportunity — a moment to step forward together and strengthen what connects us.
Sometimes, it’s through adversity that we discover our deep reserves of care, creativity, and connection. Sequim is the kind of place where people show up for each other — and right now, that spirit matters more than ever.
Due to recent federal policy changes, every household receiving SNAP (basic food) benefits is now facing a reduction — an average of $56 less per month. In addition, changes to work requirements mean that some people may lose their SNAP benefits altogether.
While the numbers come from state-level data, the impact is deeply local. More than 10,600 of our Clallam County neighbors rely on SNAP benefits to help make ends meet. And those ends are moving farther apart.
At the Sequim Food Bank, we’re seeing this strain firsthand. Household visits are up 33% compared to this time last year. Families who have never needed help before — working parents, seniors on fixed incomes, individuals recovering from medical emergencies, people working fulltime at wages unable to keep up with rising prices — are showing up for the first time. In July alone, we welcomed 139 new families.
It’s not just that more people are turning to us, it’s that the landscape is shifting. Food prices remain high. Government food supplies are unpredictable. And as families lose purchasing power, local grocers, farmers, and businesses feel the ripple effects too.
But let us be absolutely clear: the Sequim Food Bank is not going anywhere. We are here, we are ready, and we are more committed than ever to serving our neighbors.
In response to these changes, we’re expanding our Mobile Food Pantry to reach those with limited transportation, we’re increasing home deliveries to seniors and those recovering from hospital stays, and we’re streamlining operations to maximize our resources. These aren’t stopgap measures — they’re part of our longterm strategy to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.
And here’s the most important part: we’re not doing this alone — and we never will, because you’ve already stepped forward.
Through our newly launched community initiative, the Full Pantry Project, teams of neighbors, churches, friends, and businesses are bringing in food donations every week. A yoga group has brought us 184 pounds, a neighborhood group 394 pounds, and a group of friends (shout out to “Team Moose”), a whopping 513 pounds so far!
Indivisible Sequim has organized food drives at recent events and donated more than 2,000 pounds of food. And many of you have heard the call for participation; 110 more of you have become monthly Sequim Food Bank donors this year.
All of this generosity allows us to stretch our dollars further while keeping our shelves stocked. It’s a testament to what happens when a community comes together — not just in response to need, but in celebration of shared purpose. Because when someone loses food benefits, it doesn’t just affect their pantry — it impacts our whole community.
Families that once purchased groceries now rely on donations. Local stores, farmers, and restaurants see less spending. Kids show up to school hungry and distracted. Adults face stress-related health problems. One visitor shared recently:
“During these uncertain times, and the never-ending, increasing costs of everything — taxes, food, insurances, and so much more — my income cannot keep up. If it weren’t for the good graces of the food bank, I would lose my housing. I used to be a big contributor to our local food banks, churches, and other community organizations — and now I’m on the receiving end.”
The good news is that Sequim is full of people who care.
Every week, we see generosity in action: the volunteer who delivers food to homebound neighbors, the retired couple who donates fresh produce from their garden, the business owner who sponsors an event to raise awareness. These acts of care are how we keep our community strong — not in spite of the need, but because of it.
Mark your calendar: On Saturday, Sept. 27, we’re hosting our first-ever community fundraiser, “Everyone At the Table” — a shared meal celebrating the power of community and compassion. The event will bring together donors, food bank visitors, volunteers, and neighbors around a shared goal: ensuring that no child, no senior, no person goes hungry.
We know the challenges ahead are real. But so is our resolve. Together, we can build something better, not just a stronger Sequim Food Bank, but a more connected and compassionate community.
If you’d like to get involved by donating, volunteering, becoming a business sponsor for “Everyone At the Table,” or starting a Full Pantry Project team, visit us at sequimfoodbank.org or give us a call at 360-683-1205. We believe in a Sequim where everyone has a place at the table. Let’s make that real — together.
_____________________
Andra Smith is executive director of the Sequim Food Bank
