Whatcom County food banks
AltaGas donates $100,000 to help Whatcom County food banks meet growing demand this holiday season
Ferndale, WA –
With families facing delays in federal benefits and food banks under increasing pressure this time of year, AltaGas has donated $100,000 to five food banks in Whatcom County.
The Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, Lummi, and Project Hope food banks will each receive $20,000 to help ensure thousands of families around the region have access to healthy and nutritious food this holiday season.
“At AltaGas, we believe that access to nutritious food is fundamental to thriving communities,” said Andrea Doyle, Manager of External Affairs and Tribal Relations. “Working with our community partners, we’re committed to reducing food insecurity and strengthening the resilience of the neighborhoods where we live and work.”
“The need for assistance continues to rise daily as more and more families face food insecurity, all while funding has decreased significantly this year,” said Lisa Dobbin, Blaine Food Bank Director. “Though the future is uncertain, this generosity strengthens our resolve to remain steadfast in our mission to help community members through these challenging economic times.”
According to Whatcom County, more than 10,000 Whatcom County households and 92,000 individuals rely on federal benefits for nutritional support and recent processing delays have forced many to turn to food banks for emergency assistance.
“Thousands of families are relying on the food bank for help right now through particularly difficult times,” explained Sierra Cook, Executive Director of the Ferndale Food Bank. “We could not provide this help without partnerships from the community like this one.”
The new funding will help food banks manage these increased pressures and keep shelves stocked with essential items.
“Currently $20,000 covers the food purchasing for one grocery trip for roughly 1,000 families at Bellingham Food Bank. That’s frozen meat, eggs, fresh vegetables, fruit, milk, cheese, and shelf-stable goods. It’s support that is needed and deeply valued,” said Stephanie Sisson, Outreach Coordinator at the Bellingham Food Bank.
“This donation is about more than food - it’s a gift of care and community,” said Doyle. “Together, we’re not just feeding families, we’re fueling hope.”
