Highline College’s own community pantry, along with other local food banks, shelters, and nonprofits are experiencing a drought in funds, due to a major dip in both state and federal funding.
Though a myriad of problems can affect food bank funding, there is a specific issue that has hit these shelters, and it has to do with a drop in COVID relief – a fundamental source for nonprofits during the brutal impact COVID had on the world’s population.
COVID relief and quarantine precautions, both federal and state-wide, provided non-profits with the money and resources necessary to serve their respective communities amidst financial hardships, specifically centered around the mandated lockdowns.
The problem is, now that quarantine has become a recent memory in the US, some grants and extra support from these sources have either expired or provide less money for causes not related to quarantine, at a time when families are still feeling the brunt of the economy.
One example is the WSDA Resiliency Grant, which funds projects related to food and staffing, and prioritizes the impacts of COVID in communities. Though the grant still funds non-profits, it has less to give, and many local pantries are feeling the difference.
The Highline Community Pantry has temporarily halted its online request form due to limited stock, and even larger organizations like Tukwila Pantry are downsizing staff due to budget cuts and, simultaneously, responding to a growth in residents living on the property.
Though the news can be disheartening, organizations like Highline’s Community Pantry are stepping up to meet the challenge head on and still providing to those of us in need. Students are encouraged to come by the pantry, and should feel welcome to take part in the community that cares about them.
Duncan Dao has been a student at Highline College since before the pandemic and he was quick to give praise to both the Highline Community Pantry and the volunteers who make it all possible.
“The pantry has helped me. I really enjoy that they give out quality foods and that we can prevent food waste and take care of our families. I also like that I can pick up groceries from my family that they may not generally buy otherwise,” Dao said.
The Highline Community Pantry is accepting non-perishable food donations and hygiene products; you can visit the pantry or the call Highline Student Support Center at (206) 592-3802, or email communitypantry@highline.edu