This article originally appeared in our sister publication Northwest Travel & Life.
Do you ever think about where your food comes from and who might be missing out? It’s a sobering thought, but one worth pondering. In a country where food is plentiful for some but scarce for others, conscious food consumption is not just a fashionable slogan – it’s a responsibility we all share.
Every time we throw away leftover food or choose convenience over quality, we contribute to a system where food waste and hunger are rampant. But by making small changes to our daily habits – like buying only what we need, supporting local food producers and choosing sustainable options – we can make a big difference.
And let’s not forget the unsung heroes – the food relief organizations that work tirelessly to feed those in need. Whether through food banks, community kitchens or relief programs, they are committed to ensuring that no one goes hungry.
The next time you sit down to a meal, take a moment to appreciate the food on your table and the journey that got you there. And if you can, consider helping those who could use a little extra help. Here’s a list of nonprofits in the Northwest that are working to eliminate food insecurity with our donations.
Northwest Harvest, Founded in 1967, the company supports a network of over 400 food banks, meal programs and schools in Washington state.
Second harvest supplies a network of partner food banks, food distribution centers and other programs with food to those in need in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho.
Oregon Food Bank distributes food in Oregon and southwest Washington and works on policies and programs to address the root causes of hunger. oregonfoodbank.org F Food Lifeline distributes food through a network of 350 food banks, shelters and meal programs in Western Washington.
Feeding Washington supports regional food banks and local food pantries in Washington State and acts as an agent for change to end food insecurity.
Idaho Food Bank supports more than 440 partners in Idaho, including food banks, rescue missions, church pantries, emergency shelters and community kitchens.
Montana Food Bank Network distributes food to 360 partners in Montana, including community food banks, food pantries, schools, senior centers and homeless shelters.
Food Bank of Alaska rescues food that would otherwise be wasted in grocery stores, from farmers, the fishing industry, and others, and distributes it throughout Alaska.
