Many people enjoy holiday traditions involving food. However, even getting food on the table can be a challenge for many families.
Food insecurity impacts over 10,700 people in Clallam County, according to a Feeding America 2019 study. One in four children is food insecure, meaning the lack of consistent access to enough food for each person in a household.
Organizations like the Port Angeles Food Bank and Sequim Food Bank aim to address this need through their vision of cultivating a hunger-free community through service, education and partnerships.
In support of their mission, First Fed is matching donations made to the Port Angeles and Sequim Food Banks up to a combined total of $5,000 for each food bank. Donations must be made by cash or check in the branches by Dec. 30 to qualify for the match. Or First Fed customers can transfer donations from their accounts over the phone with Customer Service.
“Our local food banks have a major impact on the lives of everyone they serve,” said Matt Deines, CEO of First Fed. “First Fed is happy to support the PA Food Bank’s mission of nourishing our community. We encourage everyone to give where they can – every dollar counts.”
“It’s incredible how First Fed steps up to serve our community,” said Emily Dexter, Executive Director of the Port Angeles Food Bank. “In addition to encouraging donations, they are matching them, which is a huge gesture that we really appreciate.”
The Port Angeles Food Bank had 47,000 individual visits in 2020 during which they served 200,000 meals each month via their drive-thru. In the last year, 57 percent of Port Angeles households came to get food from The Market run by the Food Bank. They also package and distribute food to numerous other food banks on the peninsula, including Sequim, Forks, New Hope, Salvation Army, Tribal food banks and more.
The Market at the Port Angeles Food Bank. Photo courtesy of Port Angeles Food Bank.
As a non-profit, the Sequim Food Bank relies on donations and volunteers from the community. They provide many services including food distribution, home deliveries, and over 260 weekend meal bags to school children each week. The food bank also partners with local farms, so recipients get fresh fruit and vegetables that were harvested in the last few days.
Fresh produce from local farms. Photo courtesy of the Sequim Food Bank.
“Local businesses are essential to healthy communities. We’ve banked with First Fed since 1985 because of their community commitment,” said Andra Smith, Executive Director of Sequim Food Bank. “We’re excited to partner with First Fed on their holiday match campaign to raise awareness of the growing need in our community and how people can help.”
“We are honored to partner with Sequim Food Bank, which has a huge positive impact in the community,” said Robin Bookter, Sequim Avenue Branch Manager for First Fed. “We hope our customers will give back, if they can. Every dollar makes a difference to those in need.”
“Food bank donations make a meaningful difference to the most vulnerable in our community,” said Jody Copeland, Olympic Regional Manager for First Fed. “It’s wonderful to see people come together to support our local food banks.”
Considering a donation? Double your impact by making your donation by cash, check, or account transfer in one of our Port Angeles or Sequim branches by close of business on Saturday, December 30, 2023. Or if you have a First Fed account you can donate by calling Customer Service at
First Fed is a member FDIC and equal housing lender.
