Supporting Food Security Through: Gardeners Sharing Abundance, A Simple Gesture, Partnerships with Andrew's Hay, and of course the Arlington Community Food Bank
During this week's presentation, we had the pleasure of hearing from three passionate individuals and organizations dedicated to addressing food insecurity in our community: A Simple Gesture represented by Erin Maas, Gardeners Sharing Abundance led by Heinz Roye, and Andrew's Hay Community Garden, represented by Kendra Bailey. They shed light on the pressing need for addressing hunger in our community and how their efforts are making a significant impact.
Washington Hunger Facts:
- 1 in 5 children live in a household struggling to put food on the table.
- 1 in 7 Washingtonians rely on SNAP, with half of them being children.
- The majority of working-age Washingtonians living in poverty are actively working or seeking work.
- 1 in 5 Washingtonians relies on their local food bank for essential food supplies.
A Simple Gesture:
Erin Maas, pictured above, introduced us to the remarkable initiative, A Simple Gesture, which started in 2015 with just six families and has grown significantly since. The concept is straightforward yet powerful - participants buy one or more extra non-perishable food items each time they shop. On the second Saturday of even months, a volunteer picks up the bag and replaces it with a new one, delivering the collected items to the Arlington Food Bank. This proven method brought in an astounding 50,000 pounds of processed food and personal items valued at $150,000 annually in 2022. The impact of this initiative has been truly transformative for our community.
Gardeners Sharing Abundance (GSA):
Heinz Roye shared the mission of GSA, which is to provide fresh produce to the hungry in our community and improve the nutritional quality of the food at the Arlington Food Bank. GSA has formed invaluable partnerships and collaborations with various organizations, including the Arlington Library Seed Exchange & Arlington Garden Club, Agriscience and FFA programs at Arlington and Lakewood High Schools, and the Snohomish County Master Gardener Program. Through their efforts, GSA has donated fresh produce and engaged the community in actively supporting food security.
Andrew's Hay Community Garden:
Kendra Bailey presented the wonderful initiative of Andrew's Hay Community Garden, located on 0.4 acres managed by Kendra herself. The garden was generously donated by Andrews Hay in late February 2023, with the aim of producing vegetables for the Arlington Food Bank. The first planting took place in late May 2023, with a wide array of vegetables, thanks to donations from Arlington HS, Lakewood HS, and Snohomish County. Work parties are ongoing every Saturday from 9:00 to 12:00 noon, and more volunteers are encouraged to join in this vital effort.
In conclusion, the presentations from A Simple Gesture, Gardeners Sharing Abundance, and Andrew's Hay Community Garden showcased the collective commitment to alleviating food insecurity in our community. They have demonstrated that with a little extra effort, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our neighbors in need. By joining forces and supporting these remarkable initiatives, we can create a more nourished and resilient community.
To learn more about how you can get involved, visit www.arlingtonfoodbank.org. Together, we can improve the health of our community and ensure that everyone has access to nutritious and fresh produce. Thank you to Erin Maas, Heinz Roye, and Kendra Bailey for their dedication and inspiring efforts in supporting our community.
