The mayor had a media event in the Rainier Valley this morning to call attention to the dramatic rise in food-bank usage citywide, and his proposal to spend a bit more city $ to help (here’s the official news release). You don’t have to wait for city government to do something: Two food banks serve West Seattle (each has a distinct service area), and both are dealing with a HUGE increase in clientele: You can donate $ online to West Seattle Food Bank by going right here right now; donate $ online to White Center Food Bank by going right here right now. Money helps the most, because the food banks can use it to buy in bulk. We also just got an announcement from Shorewood Church and School that it’s launching a food drive for WCFB tomorrow – read on for those details:

Shorewood Foursquare Church Food Drive to Help White Center Food Bank Crisis

When Shorewood Foursquare Church learned about the food shortage at White
Center’s Food Bank, they decided to take action and offer a Food Drive. Sue
Cross, Administrator for Shorewood Foursquare Church, explains, ” When we
became aware of this food shortage crisis, we just had to get involved. We
want to help get the word out to everyone in the community, to build
awareness, and are asking everyone to bring food donations.”

According to the White Center Food Bank, they are in a time of extreme need.
Client numbers are increasing dramatically. They served 1,690 families last
month. This is a 66% increase over last year at this time. That includes
over 6000 people fed. White Center Food Bank needs your help.

The Food Drive begins Thursday Nov 13th through Dec. 21st, and will be
located at Shorewood Foursquare & Christian School, 10300 28th Av SW,
Seattle, WA 98146. There will be a food bin available 24/7 located just
outside the entrance to the building for the public to leave their food
donations. Shorewood Foursquare Church will also accept monetary donations
made out to “White Center Food Bank” in their office.

White Center Food Bank is asking for you to donate the following holiday
foods at the food drive: Chicken or Turkey Broth, Gravy Mixes, Stuffing
Mixes, Fruit Cocktail, Whole Olives, Jello or Pudding Mixes, Canned Pumpkin,
Canned Cranberry Sauce, Condensed or Evaporated Milk, Canned vegetables,
Canned yams or sweet potatoes, and $5 gift certificates to QFC, Albertsons or Safeway.

For further information you can contact Shorewood Foursquare Church &
Christian School at 206-932-0186.