Hunger in the Valley As community needs rise, food pantries face challenges

Food banks in North Central Washington confront record visitor numbers, as Upper Valley MEND's pantry sees 3,000 visitors in 2025 compared to 1,800 last year. Executive Director Kaylin Bettinger notes rising food costs and funding cuts as critical challenges facing the pantry. To address increased demand, the food purchasing budget has surged from $30,000 to $75,000, with potential spending reaching $150,000 this year. The USDA's $500 million cuts to the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program directly impact the regional food distributor, CDCAC, which expects to lose $240,000 in funding. This reduction complicates the effort to source food from local farmers and meet the community's needs for culturally relevant staples.

Bettinger emphasizes the importance of balancing costs while supporting local businesses. The pantry has introduced stricter limits on essential items, such as milk and eggs, to maintain financial viability. Community food banks face a growing crisis that threatens their ability to serve vulnerable populations effectively.