MOUNT VERNON — This announcement would not be possible without the amazing generosity of the Co-op’s member-owners. At the outset of COVID-19, we heard the same question from several of our member-owners: “How can we help?” In response, management made it even easier for Co-op member-owners to donate their annual patronage refunds (dividends) to Community Action’s Skagit Food Distribution Center (SFDC). We were able to donate over $10,000 to support the Distribution Center’s ongoing work to feed the hungry in our community!

The SFDC is the centralized distribution center for all of the food banks in Skagit County. Each year, SFDC works tirelessly to provide 1.5 million pounds of food to 15 local food banks and manages four hot meal programs that serve 45,000 residents. Beyond its role as the distribution hub, SFDC serves vulnerable populations by coordinating healthy food delivery to homebound seniors and weekend lunches for school children.

SFDC buys produce whose high demand is rarely matched by donation, including beets, cabbage, carrots, green beans, tomatillos and chilacayotes.

The Food Distribution Center also makes opportunity purchases: when a farm has a buyer for produce, but the deal falls through, SFDC purchases allow farmers to cover their costs, while providing top quality produce at a discount for distribution. Because produce’s shelf life is short, SFDC stores, then delivers this produce quickly to ensure freshness.

It is a joy to know that not only will this donation help relieve hunger, it will help provide food that is healthy and fresh while supporting local farmers.

Source: Skagit Valley Food Co-op