Hunger Taskforce considers local needs

Back in March, Commissioner Mike Backman formed a task force to look at food insecurity in the county. The Hunger Relief Task Force’s mission is to ensure there is sufficient healthy locally grown food for people in Wahkiakum County. We have been working to assess the needs and strengths of our current system. And so far, we are working towards an action plan that will bring our residents together to address the needs.

In this initial column, I would like to provide some statistics as a foundation for our projects. There are approximately 4,000 residents in Wahkiakum County with a 13 percent poverty rate (Census statistics findthedata.org). That means that approximately 520 people are either food insecure or at risk of becoming so. The local food banks each serve approximately 100 households per month, and about 80 percent of the household representatives interviewed said that they visit more than one food bank each month. (Independent survey taken during the month of October). Local food banks also support a GAP program implemented by Lisa Ridout and a group of 10 volunteers. This program supplies weekend food to approximately 40 children in the school system.

According to the Washington Schools Report Card, 54.7 percent (239) of students in the district are on free/reduced lunch. This is up about 2 percent from last year. The GAP program does a great job of helping to supply food for our students on weekends and times when school is not in session. The Hunger Relief Task Force acknowledges and supports their efforts.

All this said, hunger is an issue in Wahkiakum County. We all have a stereotype of the people we would consider to be food insecure. But in reality, food insecurity is not limited by age, physical/mental ability, or social status. Everyone is one meal away from being hungry. And as the average age of our county’s residents increase more residents face the potential of being food insecure.

Many of the people who are eligible for food banks services do not participate. The Hunger Relief Task Force is working to strengthen our food banks system by promoting their hours of operation and transportation options available. We provide recipes for some of the more uncommon vegetables and produce to promote better diet choices and healthy living. Food bank volunteers are also provided materials to become more aware of safe food handling and nutrition education.

The Hunger Relief Task Force also promotes the WSU Extension’s Community Garden as a place to learn and grow. By planting a garden, community members learn to become more food sufficient and self-sustaining. Not to mention they get to enjoy the best produce around. Master Gardeners are available to answer any questions and offer training. If you are interested in a garden area of your own or becoming a Master Gardener a new class will be starting up soon. You can contact Carrie at the WSU Extension office, (360) 795-3278 for details.

Planning meetings have been held to determine feasibility of a food bank in western Wahkiakum County and to develop a school garden. These are not new ideas, but ones that have been kicked around for some time. Anyone with input or interest in becoming a partner is welcome. Interested people can contact Sheila at WHHS (360) 795-6207. I would love to talk to you.