Dear Friends,
In response to rising food insecurity across Whidbey Island following recent SNAP reductions, the Whidbey Community Foundation (WCF) launched the Whidbey Food Resilience Fund on November 3. This new Fund provides rapid, equitable support to local food banks, meal programs, and grassroots efforts working to ensure every neighbor has access to nutritious food.
$50,000 Already Distributed
Thanks to a $50,000 allocation from WCF’s Board-Directed Opportunity Fund—made possible by donors who contribute to our Foundation Fund—we have already issued $50,000 in first-round grants to core food-access organizations on Whidbey Island.
These initial grants support essential work such as:
- food banks restocking shelves and meeting record demand,
- weekend and backpack meal programs for children,
- meal programs serving seniors, unhoused neighbors, and families, and
- supplemental food-access efforts filling gaps across the island.
A full list of funded organizations will be shared later this month.
Now Accepting Applications for Additional Grants
The Whidbey Food Resilience Fund is now accepting grant applications from smaller or emerging food-access programs, including:
- church and community meal programs,
- school weekend or backpack programs,
- mobile meal efforts, and
- grassroots initiatives meeting urgent food needs.
Grants generally range from $250–$5,000, and decisions will be made within approximately two weeks of receiving a completed application.
Why This Matters
Food providers across our island are seeing dramatic increases in demand just as public supports are shrinking. This Fund allows our community to respond together—quickly and equitably—so families, seniors, and neighbors facing hardship have consistent access to nutritious food.
How to Support the Fund
If you or your organization would like to contribute, you may do so at any time. Your donation directly supports local providers working on the front lines of food security.
Thank you for being part of this caring and responsive community. Together, we can help ensure no one on Whidbey goes hungry.
With gratitude,
Jessie Gunn
Executive Director
Whidbey Community Foundation