Hello friends and neighbors. Did you know that one in three residents in our community rely on the Sequim Food Bank for support?

For this reason — and so many others — I’m grateful to be invited to write a regular column for the Sequim Gazette. Each month, I’ll share a window into the work we’re doing, the challenges we’re navigating, and the many ways your generosity keeps us moving forward.

If we haven’t met yet, my name is Andra Smith, and I’ve had the privilege of leading the Sequim Food Bank for the past eight years. Before that, I worked in marketing, retail, and as a small business owner, but my heart has always been in community work. What first brought me to the Sequim Food Bank was volunteering alongside my two teenage daughters on Saturday mornings. What struck me from the very beginning — and what keeps me here — is the incredible people: those we serve, those who give, and those who show up every day to help.

The Sequim Food Bank serves nearly 30% of Eastern Clallam County’s population through grocery distribution, children’s weekend meal bags, local farm partnerships, and other community-centered programs. We are proud of the welcome we offer and the abundance we share, but like many food banks across the country, we are entering 2025 with real concern.

Recent governmental funding cuts are already having a noticeable impact on our ability to serve. Last year, food from federal assistance programs made up about 12% of what we distributed — including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and dry/canned goods. That supply is now uncertain. We don’t know when — or even if — some of those food shipments will arrive. That unpredictability makes planning extremely difficult and creates real anxiety about how we’ll meet rising need.

And the need is rising. We’ve seen a 27% increase in households accessing our services compared to this time last year. Many of these families include working parents, seniors on fixed incomes, families navigating serious illness, and individuals experiencing sudden job loss.

One visitor recently shared:

“I felt like we shouldn’t come. I’m so used to being on the giving side instead of receiving and didn’t want to take anything from other people. But we truly need the help right now after my wife was diagnosed with cancer, which has brought a lot of unexpected expense. We’re so grateful that you’re here to get us through this time. We’ve not only received beautiful, healthy food — we’ve also felt so welcome and have learned about other community resources to assist us. Thank you!”

In response to these growing challenges, we’re expanding programs designed to build consistency and connection—and increasing food donations to ensure we can continue meeting rising demand.

One example is our Full Pantry Project — a simple and impactful way for local neighbors, churches, businesses, and clubs to support the food bank. Participants form a team and receive reusable grocery bags with a list of most-needed items. Each month, team members return the filled bag and receive an empty bag with a new list. It’s easy, repeatable, and makes a meaningful difference by helping us maintain a steady supply of healthy food while reducing our purchasing needs.

We’re also rolling out a new Mobile Food Pantry Program, bringing groceries directly to neighborhoods where transportation can be a barrier. These programs help us reach people where they are — with dignity, choice, and compassion — because hunger doesn’t look the same for everyone.

That’s what we’re here for — and it’s what we’ll continue to do. I’m often asked what the Sequim Food Bank needs and how people can help. With the uncertainty of governmental food assistance and more people relying on us than ever, here’s how you can make a difference:

• Form a Full Pantry Project team. Email us for more details.

• Become a monthly donor — even $10/month makes a big difference.

• Drop off most-needed food items like peanut butter, canned protein, and fresh produce.

• Volunteer your time. Visit our website for a volunteer application and opportunities.

Despite the challenges, I remain hopeful – because I know this community. I’ve seen what we can do when we come together. As we navigate this time of uncertainty, I hope you’ll walk with us, share this message, and remind others that this Food Bank belongs to everyone in Sequim. Whether you give, receive, or both – you are part of what makes this work possible.

To learn more or get involved, visit sequimfoodbank.org, email us at info@sequimfoodbank.org, follow us on social media, or stop by during open hours. We’d love to welcome you.

We’re here together — and we’re here because of you.