Washington food banks are seeing an incredible increase in demand this fall and they expect the need for help to continue to grow in the coming months. At the same time, donations have decreased and food supplies are harder to secure.
I find myself unable to stand by and do nothing while hosting the Dark Days of Winter challenge. It seems particularly poignant to me that as we’re all enjoying the fruits of our labor and the splendid produce of our gardens and farmers that many of our neighbors are going without, or asking for help.
So, tomorrow marks the beginning of the Dark Days Harvest Drive to benefit Northwest Harvest. The drive will run from now through December 21st with all donations going directly to Northwest Harvest, or their local partner.
Why Northwest Harvest?
I chose Northwest Harvest because they are a vital link in the hunger relief effort in Washington State. They secure more than 18 million pounds of nutritious food each year for distribution to nearly 300 food programs across Washington, serving 36 of 39 counties.
How it works:
For each donation made between now and December 21st, I will enter the donor in a drawing to receive a set of 4 note cards featuring the Hennery photos of their choice. I’ll give away 8 sets total.
Northwest Harvest accepts non-perishable foods for distribution to its network of food programs. They maintain a list of drop-off locations and desired foods.
Since we’re all about organic, sustainable and local foods around here, please choose high quality whole foods for your donation. I firmly believe that quality is as important as quantity. If you’d like to donate fresh fruits and vegetables, or other perishable goods, please contact your local food bank to make arrangements.
If you’d rather donate dollars, you can. Northwest Harvest puts monetary donations to work purchasing fresh produce and other needed items for its network of food programs.
To claim your raffle entry, make a donation to Northwest Harvest between Nov 21 and Dec 21. If you make a food donation, send me a photo of the donation at the drop site, plus a list of the items you donated. If you make a dollar donation, send me a copy of the receipt.
Please send your photos and/or receipts to DarkDaysHarvest at gmail dot com. I’ll draw winners on December 24th and announce them here on the site.
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I’ll be dropping off our donation over the weekend, after I have a chance to pick up a few more things at the Sunday market.
I’m targeting the drive towards bloggers and readers in Washington state, but of course if you’re outside the area and would like to contribute, you’re welcome to join in.
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terrific idea! we’re throwing a fundraising dinner next week to raise money for Northwest Harvest as well… check out our concept if you have a chance. http://fishesloaves.wordpress.com. we’re hoping food enthusiasts might be interested in doing something similar… really glad to see others highlight the needs that are out there.
what a generous and clever idea… and smart of you to get this going before the holiday charity-fatigue sets in.
Jak – what a cool idea! If I was a better organized cook I’d be tempted to repeat it myself. Perhaps we should collaborate on one after the holidays when people are less aware of the need – I could round up a whole new group of participants if you helped with the planning!
Anita – thanks for your donation! Of course you could have just asked for some note cards too
Laura, what a fabulous thing for you to do just before Thanksgiving. Northwest Harvest is an amazing organization and giving money is a great way to go — their buying power is so great that they can purchase $4 worth of food for every $1 you give. (Full disclosure, I am on their speaker’s bureau!)
You inspired me to initiate a food drive at a friends community Tday potluck. My fingers are crossed it will be successful. Thank you!