This article was writtien by Fishline Executive Director Charlie Thompson and posted in the Opinion section of the Kitsap Sun on March 30, 2025.
Food insecurity has been increasing in Kitsap County and North Mason over the past few years, with many of our local food banks serving at least 50% more people since 2023. The increase of individuals coming in for help is even more challenging due to actual and anticipated cuts to federal and state funding. Last year, support from the government exceeded 1.3 million pounds of food and $350,000 in support of Kitsap and North Mason food banks. This support is in jeopardy. On top of that, food prices are going up, and it’s getting harder to source items from the usual suppliers. It’s a tough situation, and the need for food support just keeps growing. Every contribution makes a difference — together, we can fight this crisis.
With food insecurity on the rise and funding for food banks declining, what does that mean for Kitsap and North Mason counties and those who depend on their local food bank?
We are working together to meet the needs of everyone who is experiencing food insecurity. We are getting creative with where and how we acquire food. For instance, Bremerton Foodline started theFOODproject last year. Using reuseable bags, individuals and groups can host a food drive in their neighborhood, place of business or worship, collect requested food items and bring them to the food bank for distribution to clients. This model of food collection is going to be used to help stock our shelves. It’s a strategic food drive every other month that helps get the exact food that banks need onto their shelves. (To learn more visit https://bremertonfoodline.org/get-involved/kitsap-food-project/.)
We also need to purchase more food than ever before to keep our shelves stocked with essential items. This is due to less food from traditional sources and more need for services. We are planning to purchase food from local farmers so that we can provide healthy, fresh food as well as help our local economy. We are also working together to order food in larger quantities so that we can get a better price and ensure staple items are always available. Kitsap and North Mason food banks are creative at making your financial contribution stretch to make a greater impact. We will benefit from our shared purchasing power from more robust food distributors.
Whether you agree or not with the decisions being made in Olympia or the other Washington, one thing is certain: for far too many of our neighbors, their situation is not improving and for many their situation is becoming more challenging. The need for food and other resources is going to get worse. That is why we need your support now more than ever.
There are many ways you can support your local food bank. You can participate in theFOODproject or other food drives. You can grow and donate fresh fruits and vegetable from your home garden. You can give of your time by volunteering. You can make a monetary contribution to support the purchase of more food for our shelves. Your support makes you an integral part of tackling the challenges facing our community and food bank operations today.
Finally, we want everyone in need to know they are welcome. Anyone from anywhere in Kitsap can seek assistance from any of the Kitsap food banks. No matter who you are or where you come from, know that you are welcome at our food banks. We believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, which is why paperwork is kept to a minimum and we do not check immigration status. If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, we are here to help.