Rep. Schrier Visits Emergency Food Network, Touts Funding for Food Assistance Programs in American Rescue Plan

ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) recently visited the Lakewood warehouse of the Emergency Food Network (EFN) to talk with its Executive Director Michelle Douglas, and to personally thank the staff and volunteers working to repackage food for distribution to food banks across Pierce County.

"We have seen a significant increase in families who are food insecure during this pandemic, and our food banks have really stepped up to help across the country," said Rep. Schrier. "I'm proud that the American Rescue Plan expands eligibility for SNAP and increases the amount families receive for SNAP and WIC benefits until the end of September. Between the American Rescue Plan and the efforts of places like the Emergency Food Network and their partner food pantries, we can start to address food insecurity and make sure that families can put food on the table and ensure children can access nutritious food."

Council Member Annette Bryan and Joanne Gutierrez from the Puyallup Tribe and Stacy Crnich, CEO of the Bonney Lake Food Bank joined the Congresswoman to share experiences of completely revamping their strategies and meeting the needs of their clients and constituents during the pandemic. Food banks have started to provide mobile outreach and food delivery to connect with families that are newly food insecure.

Douglas thanked Rep. Schrier for her support to boost federal nutrition assistance programs in the American Rescue Plan and as part of her role on the House Committee on Agriculture. Douglas also thanked Ryan and Crnich for their partnership with EFN.

Douglas noted the critical role of the Washington National Guard during this time. "If it weren't for the assistance of the Washington National Guard, the Network would have been severely limited in the amount of food it could distribute to its various community and mobile sites. That is because many of the food pantry volunteers are older adults who are staying home to limit their potential exposure to COVID-19."

Last year, more than 157,000 visits were made to food pantries and meal sites each month in Pierce County, 40% more than in 2019. Emergency Food Network provides 19 million pounds of healthy, nutritious food annually to more than 70 food pantries, meal sites, and shelters serving families and individuals in need.