WFC Recognized for Anti-Hunger Advocacy at Mayor's End Hunger Awards

On Thursday, June 18th, 2015 the Meals Partnership Coalition held the 2015 Hunger Summit "Outside the Box". This day of knowledge and meal sharing ended with the 21st Mayors End Hunger Awards. This award honors individuals, organizations, businesses, and public servants who are doing exceptional work to eliminate hunger in the Seattle-area community.

 There were many recipients of the Mayors End Hunger Awards honoring different aspects and ways of fighting hunger. The Washington Food Coalition received an award for Outstanding Political Advocacy. Pictured right is Trish Twomey and Mayor Ed Murray. The plaque Trish is holding is also pictured below and reads: In recognition of your work on behalf of those who struggle with hunger we honor you for your compassionate and dedicated action. We are inspired by the example of your work in our community, which demonstrates how individuals and groups can make a powerful difference towards ending hunger. Other recipients of the award include: Peggy Sue Drury for Outstanding Individual Service, ATS Automation was the Outstanding Corporate Community Leader, and Community Lunch won Outstanding Program.

The Washington Food Coalition's advocacy for the Emergency Food Assistance Program is one piece in a larger community of outstanding anti-hunger advocates who are working to create a hunger-free Washington. The EFAP request is one of many initiatives during the 2015 Legislative session that are crucial to ending poverty and hunger in our State, please see the other initiatives here. The community of anti-hunger advocates includes key organizational partners, lobbyists, and WFC members. Each of these entities were essential to the success of our advocacy initiative. Our work throughout the legislative session would not have been possible without the support of and collaboration with Northwest Harvest and the Anti-Hunger Nutrition Coalition. In addition, WFC had the outstanding services of Ceiba Consulting. Lastly, but definitely not least, the Advocacy Champions within the Washington Food Coalition membership made substantial efforts to contact their elected officials, meet with them, and testify in Olympia.  

In all, advocacy, and making a difference in society, is a community effort. The Washington Food Coalition is thankful and humbled by the recognition received through the 2015 Mayor's End Hunger Award. In accepting this award, WFC represents the efforts and passions of our members and partners as well as the effort of our staff. We cannot thank and honor the anti-hunger champions across the State enough.

Written by Dani Gilmour, Advocacy and Communications Assistant