In a region where economic challenges persist, local food banks and community organizations are stepping up to ensure families have access to essential resources during the holiday season. As demand for assistance continues to rise, these institutions play a critical role in supporting those who face barriers to food security.

Ensuring Access to Essential Resources This Holiday Season

The Impact of Economic Strain on Local Families

On a damp Tuesday morning just before Christmas, Kelly Pritchard balanced bags brimming with groceries on her dark green bicycle outside the Foothills Food Bank. Living with chronic pain and without reliable transportation, Pritchard has adapted to this new reality, relying on her bike to transport supplies home. Her husband would often accompany her, pushing additional groceries in a buggy over the mile-and-a-half journey. This week, Pritchard collected more than usual, knowing the food bank would be closed for the holidays.The Maple Falls food bank will remain shuttered on its regular distribution days leading up to Christmas, reopening on New Year’s Eve. Meanwhile, the Whatcom Asset Building Coalition has published a guide to help residents find meals during the festive period, addressing the closures at various food banks. The Bellingham Food Bank, for instance, will be closed on Christmas Day and the following day, with no home deliveries scheduled until early January.

Growth and Challenges in Meeting Community Needs

At Foothills, the rainy weather did not deter clients from visiting the food bank on what was one of their final opportunities before the holiday closure. Operations Manager Darryl Hirschkorn noted that while the facility wasn’t exceptionally busy, it had seen a significant increase in clientele since he joined in 2022. However, recent months have shown a leveling off in growth. “We’ve reached most of the people who need our services,” Hirschkorn observed, though he acknowledged the ongoing expansion of the community.Countywide, the demand for food assistance has surged by 127% since 2021, according to a presentation by the Whatcom County Food Bank Network. Currently, local food banks serve approximately 9,000 households each week. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the county council designated food security as a public health priority last summer. Stephanie Sisson, spokesperson for the Bellingham Food Bank, explained that the rise in demand began when pandemic-era benefits expired and inflation escalated, making it increasingly difficult for many families to make ends meet.

Seasonal Shifts in Demand and Special Initiatives

While some food banks report steady traffic throughout the year, others experience noticeable fluctuations during the holiday season. Ken Owsley, director of Project Hope Food Bank in Lynden, noted an uptick in visits between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. To accommodate this surge, Project Hope offers a special "Christmas menu" featuring traditional holiday items like canned sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, smoked ham, chickens, and turkeys.In contrast, the Bellingham Food Bank does not typically see a significant increase in visitors during December. Sisson remarked that although there is added pressure around the holidays, the underlying issues of food insecurity remain constant. At Foothills, Hirschkorn prepared for a potentially busier period by stocking up on produce favored by the community, such as carrots, potatoes, and cabbage—items particularly appreciated by the area’s Eastern European population.

Personal Stories of Resilience and Support

For individuals like Kelly Pritchard, the food bank has been a lifeline for nearly eight years. She visits every Tuesday to supplement her family’s needs. “Things are so expensive now; it’s hard to get by,” she said. “The food stamps we receive help, but the food bank fills in the gaps.” On this particular visit, Pritchard knew she needed to gather enough supplies to last through the holiday closure.Melodylynn Felkey Gorski, another regular visitor, arrived late in the day, pushing a large shopping cart filled with groceries for her family. While she hadn’t finalized her holiday plans, she hoped to use some of the food for a special meal. Felkey Gorski emphasized the importance of knowing how to navigate the food bank’s offerings to maximize the benefit for her household. “It’s all here if you know how to do it,” she said confidently.