Most of us do not worry about where we will get our next meal. However, many in our community are not as fortunate and deal with hunger on a daily basis. Reportedly, one in four children in Washington live in a household that struggles to put food on the table. Additionally, Washington is currently ranked as the fourteenth hungriest state in the nation and has been noted to be in the top six states for the fastest-growing rate of hunger. While food is plentiful for most in our community, it is not the case for everyone, which is why Bayview and Ralph’s Thriftway have dedicated their efforts to help provide nutritious food to the hungry by promoting a Bag Local Hunger program.
Between October 29 and November 18, 2014, Bayview and Ralph’s Thriftway stores will participate in their Bag Local Hunger program to raise money and collect food to help families in need. Money donations can be made right at the check stand and are an easy way to help out those less fortunate. Customers can simply add a designated dollar amount to their grocery bill. Funds raised through check stand donations will be directed to Northwest Harvest, which is Washington’s statewide hunger relief agency working toward providing nutritious food to hungry people statewide.
Throughout the 21 day food drive, Bayview and Ralph’s Thriftway will have a designated collection container located at the front of the store so that customers can drop off their food donations as they leave the store. All of the food donated via Bayview and Ralph’s Thriftway will go directly to the Thurston County Food Bank. The food bank arrives daily to collect the donations and distribute to the local community.
Kevin Stormans, President of Bayview and Ralph’s Thriftway shares, “We heavily support the Thurston County Food Bank in various ways throughout the year. The fall program of Bag Local Hunger has been highly successful in the past because our customers are especially giving this time of year as we approach the holidays.”
As part of the Bag Local Hunger program, Bayview and Ralph’s Thriftway will put a more charitable twist on their usual Buy One Get One (BOGO) promotion. During the Bag Local Hunger food drive the local grocer will revise their BOGO promotion to Buy One Give One. Select Western Family products will be eligible for the BOGO promotion whereby customers can purchase two Western Family products for the price of one with the opportunity to donate the food.
While customers can take advantage of the Western Family BOGO, any brand of food can be purchased and donated. It is important to keep in mind that foods high in fat, oils, and sugar provide calories but few nutrients. These foods make up a high percentage of many diets because they are inexpensive and easy to obtain. It is beneficial to provide healthful foods for those with limited financial resources to supplement their restricted choices with healthy alternatives. Foods helpful for people struggling with constant hunger include canned or dry fruits and vegetables, non-perishable whole grains, canned lean meats and fish, dried beans, boxed, dried or canned milk especially low-fat and fortified with Vitamin D. Healthful donations are especially helpful.
Last year, customers from Bayview and Ralph’s Thriftway donated approximately $40,000 in cash in addition to the daily pick up of food product donations that the Thurston County Food Bank collected. Stormans comments, “Bag Local Hunger is a great program that increases awareness of people needing food in our community. As a local grocer, we feel especially compelled to help out with this need in our community.”
To participate in the Bag Local Hunger program simply visit either Bayview or Ralph’s Thriftway. At the check stand, make a cash donation directed toward Northwest Harvest or donate food items which will be distributed by the Thurston County Food Bank.
1908 East 4th in Olympia
360-357-8011
516 West 4th Street in Olympia
360-352-4897
