Submitted by Nourish to Flourish

As we join around the table to give thanks, it is important to reflect on those in our community in need. Nourish to Flourish, a group of concerned community leaders meets monthly to address hunger and food insecurity on San Juan Island. A recent report found 40 percent of our residents struggle to make ends meet and 68 percent of low-resource residents skip meals and lack healthy foods. A recent survey found fruits and vegetables are 40 percent higher on island than the mainland.

Thanks to Rotary Club support, “36 Weekends” sends home nutritious food for kids who would otherwise go hungry over the weekend.

The Fresh Bucks program helps low-income people buy more fruits and vegetables and reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Buying more produce also supports the local economy. Fresh Bucks allows low-income families to match up to $20 in purchases on fruits and vegetables at the San Juan Island Food Co-op and Farmer’s Market every time they shop. Fresh Bucks started in July 2018 and will continue as our funding allows. Thus far, over 70 families on San Juan Island have used Fresh Bucks to increase their access to healthier food.

The Nourish to Flourish website, www.nourishtoflourishwa.org, lists local food resources, details about our volunteers, and food insecurity initiatives. View the website to learn more. All are welcome to attend upcoming meetings. Thanks to a generous donor, donations are being matched up to $5,000. Donations are accepted by clicking on the donate button on the website home page or through the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center. Every donation is 100 percent for food. As we enjoy this Thanksgiving, remember your neighbors and friends who may need help accessing nourishing food, and let us share the bounty in celebration of our national holiday.