Hunger at home, a national crisis

It’s time for the 3rd annual Food drive competition between businesses around Cathlamet. The business that brings in the most donations will win the “Cup of Sunshine” chalice and subsequent bragging rights. Heading up this drive is Sue Zabel, local business owner of the Jabber Shack and someone who understands first-hand what it’s like to be in need “[cup of sunshine] started because I felt at one point in my life I needed help, and the food bank was there to help us.” Sue knew how hard it can be for families, especially in the summer “I thought, let's just start a food drive in the summer, kids are always at the lowest point in their lives for food. School’s out, food has stopped, parents are struggling, they’re working like crazy, can’t make ends meet. I know that one. Or sometimes you just have single moms that need a boost.” Proceeds will go to the three food banks in Cathlamet; The West End Food Pantry, Wahkiakum County Food Bank, and St. Catherine Catholic Church/St. Vincent de Paul.

Food insecurity exists in every part of America and rural counties like Wahkiakum are no exception. The United States Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as the lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life. According to Feeding American, there are 891,960 people in Washington facing hunger and of them 257,580 are children. That’s one in nine people or one in six children who face hunger every day. According to the USDA, 2022 saw a price increase of 9.9% which is the highest increase in food prices since 1979. The summer brings with it a whole new challenge: getting kids fed. Many students depend on the breakfast and lunch they receive during the school day and with the summer here many parents are struggling to provide substantial meals for their families.

Wahkiakum County residents are being affected by inflation and rising costs too. Nora Lee Sorenson with the Wahkiakum Food Pantry says they’ve seen a gradual increase in food insecurity in the community over the years, “We try to fill the needs of everyone that needs it,” says Nora Lee, “especially the elderly in our area… that’s been our biggest need.” The Wahkiakum Food Pantry serves, on average, 23 households and around 50 individuals per week. The St. Catherine Catholic Church/St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank has had a notable increase in people coming to receive assistance in the last year and a half “We’re seeing people and people we haven’t seen in years that just can’t make it anymore” says Tom Garstki and he pointed out that the majority of those who come in for help are within the 55+ age range but they still see quite a few families.

If Wahkiakum County knows how to do one thing it's help a neighbor and the volunteers at the food banks are doing just that. But another way to help is to donate. Each food bank in our area is almost entirely dependent upon community donations. Mr. Garstki lists some of the items most needed “canned goods, soup, jellies, vegetables.” Food is most needed but toiletries, clothing, and other items, especially those that kids may need, are always appreciated. If you would like to participate in the food drive, you can call one of the listed food banks or take your donations to the following businesses: Jabber Shack, Maria’s Place, Norse Hall, The Cathlamet Market, and Bank of the Pacific.

If you are in need or want to donate, here are the local food banks and times they are open:

Wahkiakum Food Pantry- 360-795-3497

42 Elochoman Valley Road Cathlamet, WA

Open Tuesdays 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

St. Catherine Catholic Church- 360-957-5676

400 Columbia Street Cathlamet, WA

Open 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. *Commodities available on 3rd Wednesdays

West End Food Pantry- 360-465-2344

30 Rosburg School Road Rosburg, WA

Open Thursdays 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.