Each year, at least one in ten King County households run out of money for food at some po int as they struggle to cover other costly essentials. Some people don’t know where to get relief, some lack transportation and others are too ashamed to seek help. Although the emergency food network is considered strong, emergency food services could be more convenient, nutritious and appropriate to the cultural and religious backgrounds of the people who use them. Available food doesn’t always accommodate the special dietary needs of the chronically homeless, who often suffer from illness, substance abuse and other debilitating conditions. Also, emergency food programs are too often located far from other services their clients need, such as housing, counseling or employment.
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Improve quality, not just quantity, of emergency food. Emphasize fruits and vegetables, as well as culturally appropriate foods and specialty items for seniors, infants, the infirm and pets.
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Expand coordination among support agencies to make emergency food service continuous and convenient for those who need it.
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Bring other support services to food bank locations so people can address multiple needs in one stop.
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Deliver food to people where they already are: to children in schools, to homeless on the street, to seniors at home.
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Create community gardens to provide low-income families fresh, nutritious and organic produce.
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Educate people about their eligibility for programs such as food stamps and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
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