We've been feeding to our hungry neighbors for more than 20 years. As one of Seattle's busiest food banks, we help nourish about 11,000 people most months. We are the only food bank in the heart of Rainier Valley, home to the nation's most ethnically diverse ZIP code and some of the city's lowest-income areas. We offer a rich variety of healthy, fresh and locally-sourced foods. Community donations account for more than half of our funding. Find out more at rvfb.org.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

The Power of Food


Today’s post was contributed by Rob Luzader, a RVFB supporter.

Why Rainier Valley Food Bank? Thousands of charities are worthy of my hard earned money. In this day and age, it’s easy to gravitate to the cause of the moment. In the past, examples for me were Livestrong (rallying around a courageous, charismatic hero to defy the odds and defeat cancer) or Mercy Corps in the wake of Katrina, the Haitian earthquake or the tsunami in Japan (feeling the need to contribute due to the scale of the disasters, unimaginable human suffering and the sensational coverage surrounding these events). While I continue to believe in the necessity of these organizations, I have made a fundamental shift in the nature of my giving. The majority of my money for charity now goes to the Rainier Valley Food Bank (RVFB). Let me explain why.

I am pragmatic. Therefore, I am attracted to the fact that one of my donated dollars equals $12 of distributed food. The resourcefulness and efficiency of RVFB impresses me. I prefer my money be used by an independent, agile nonprofit that can control the quality of the food it distributes. RVFB has the ability to influence and educate people about food and nutrition at a local, personal level, which is something we as a community should support. I think the food bank provides a sustainable model for providing nutritious food to people in need.
I am also empathetic to the plight of people that find themselves hungry or struggling to feed themselves. Hunger is 
a pervasive and enduring problem in our community and undermines its ability to prosper. “Food insecurity” sounds like an intimidating term but there is no doubt families are struggling to feed themselves just one meal a day.


I am fortunate. I have never had to worry about my next meal and access to quality food. I have a positive relationship with the food I grow, purchase, cook and consume. It is essential to my happiness, productivity and wellness. I want each and every hungry or malnourished adult and child to have the opportunity to experience the power of food. RVFB has begun to connect people to their food. Hopefully this process continues to evolve.

Food matters. It weaves its way through our lives and community in more ways than we realize. RVFB is an essential part of building a strong, vibrant community where people can concentrate on work and school rather than the viability of their next meal. It is an essential organization providing part of the solution to a pervasive problem in our community. It is doing it in a way the focuses on our relationship with food and the quality of food. It is doing it with a sense of responsibility and community involvement.

Why do you give to RVFB? Share your comments below.




Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Kids Raising Funds for RVFB … One Coin at a Time


You know what they say about spare change: Every penny counts.

That's what we're counting on as we challenge kids to spend the next few months collecting coins for Rainier Valley Food Bank. All the pennies and nickels, dimes and quarters — bills and checks, too — that kids collect will add up fast and help us stock our shelves with healthy food.

We handed out our first batch of coin collection cans at our 5th annual holiday cookie decorating party. We have some cans leftover, so if you want one for your kid(s), stop by the food bank anytime Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and we'll hook you up. 

Click here for our Every Penny Counts coin drive instructions.  

Prizes!
Now for the fun part … we're awarding some super-cool prizes to the top three fundraisers, whoever turns in the most moolah by 5 p.m. on Valentine's Day:

1st prize: Group cooking class!
Seattle Tilth's Rainier Valley Eats program will treat you and up to 15 of your friends to your very own cooking class! Just tell them what kind of food you like and they'll teach you some easy, healthy recipes.
Where: Light for Life Church kitchen (3820 S. Ferdinand St.)
When: Whatever date/time works for you and Rainier Valley Eats staff


2nd prize: Gardening books and supplies
Your Farm in the City: An Urban Dweller’s Guide to Growing Food and Raising Animals by Lisa Taylor and the gardeners of Seattle Tilth
The Maritime Northwest Garden Guide by Carl Elliott and Rob Peterson
Kid's gardening kit

3rd prize: Books about food & cooking
How Did That Get In My Lunch Box? The Story of Food by Chris Butterworth
Kids' Kitchen: 40 Fun and Healthy Recipes to Make and Share by Fiona Bird

We'll announce the winners in this blog (and on Facebook) as soon as possible after Valentine's Day.

Any questions, email RVFB's Elise Cope at elise@rvfb.org, or call 206-723-4105.


Alrighty ... good luck, kiddos! 


(And give what you can, grown-ups!)