Governor Jay Inslee embarked on a tour of Whatcom County on a recent Tuesday, where he delved into pressing issues related to food insecurity and early childhood education at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center and Foothills Food Bank campus.
Sam Norris, the executive director of the food bank, provided Governor Inslee with an insightful tour of the facility. The Foothills Food Bank has experienced a significant increase in demand, currently serving over 350 households weekly, a substantial rise from 150 in 2020 when the facility was initially established. Norris estimated that they are catering to approximately one-third of households residing in the 98266 zip code.
During his visit, Governor Inslee engaged in a conversation with Norris, shedding light on the escalating need for food assistance and the challenges associated with managing this expansive operation. The food bank’s operations encompass two pickup days each week, delivery services, a food pantry, and more, all managed by just two full-time staff members and a dedicated group of volunteers.
Norris highlighted the dramatic surge in demand following the expiration of temporary Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The USDA designates East Whatcom as a rural food desert due to limited access to grocery stores and elevated poverty levels. The Foothills Food Bank stands as a critical resource bridging the gap in access to nutritious food within the community.
Governor Inslee acknowledged the intensifying issue of food insecurity and the growing demand for various essential services, not only in Washington but across the nation. He discussed recent budget allocations, including $1 billion earmarked for housing support across the state, with the aim of relieving financial strains on families.
At the Opportunity Council’s resource center, Governor Inslee observed children joyfully playing on the Mt. Baker Head Start program’s playground. This child care facility receives funding from both the Washington state Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and the federal Head Start program. Governor Inslee emphasized the importance of adequate training and sustainable wages for child care staff and expressed the need for increased funding to support these critical aspects.
Kristi Dominguez, the Ferndale superintendent and a longstanding advocate for early childhood education, highlighted the challenges faced by school districts and private providers when collaborating to offer child care services. Dominguez discussed her vision of streamlining regulations and combining resources to provide accessible child care for all, thereby reducing competition between public and private entities.
“In Whatcom County, I believe it’s time to establish a system that could serve as a model for the entire state,” she asserted. “We have the potential to offer free and affordable, all-day care for all 3- and 4-year-olds, aligning with ECEAP and Head Start standards.”
Governor Inslee’s visit also encompassed the inauguration of the Vicinity Motor Corp. factory in Ferndale, a glimpse of Amtrak’s new electric bus in Fairhaven, discussions with Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood, and an inspection of the city’s electric vehicle fleet, reflecting his commitment to addressing diverse issues facing the region.
