Northwest Harvest changing tactics to feed the hungry

The clampdown to stop the spread of coronavirus is making it an even bigger challenge for Northwest Harvest to get food to low-income families. Even before the pandemic, one in ten Washington households struggled to put food on the table. Now, the worry is that this crisis is going to impact the families who are already living on the edge and will put many others at risk, too.

With the new social distancing requirements, Northwest Harvest is changing operations at their no-cost grocery store in Seattle’s SODO neighborhood. Instead of letting everyone shop for free, they will be pre-boxing collected items for those in need, and their volunteers can either take it out to the curbside or someone can pick up the food to go. Wong says this is available to anyone, no questions asked.

Northwest Harvest also provides food to 375 food pantries and food programs in high-need schools. The non-profit organization is working with districts around the state to make sure there is enough food available for students who normally get their meals at school.

If you would like to help, you can make a financial donation through their website at www.northwestharvest.org. If you’re healthy and physically able to help pack the food boxes, they would welcome volunteers as well.

Follow @https://twitter.com/UrsulaKIROFM