Bread for the World ACT NOW: SNAP and Food Aid at Risk

A family of four could lose up to $36 a month in SNAP benefits startingthis Friday. Email or call 1-800-826-3688 and tell Rep. Jim McDermott and Sen. Maria Cantwell and Sen. Patty Murray to protect SNAP and improve international food aid. This week, every food stamp (also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) family will see its grocery budget shrink! In 2010, Congress voted twice to cut SNAP in order to pay for other priorities. As a result, $11 billion in SNAP cuts will go into effect this Friday. For a family of four, this means a loss of up to $36 a month. As millions of families are bracing for these automatic benefit cuts, members of the House and Senate meet today to finalize a farm bill that will impact vital anti-hunger programs – specifically SNAP and international food aid. We need your help. The voices of your member(s) of Congress are critical in our efforts to end hunger by protecting and strengthening SNAP and improving international food aid. Call or email Rep. Jim McDermott and Sen. Maria Cantwell and Sen. Patty Murray today! Ask them to: Oppose cuts and harmful changes to SNAP. The House-passed farm bill cut SNAP by $39 billion, which could kick nearly 4 million people off the program and reduce benefits for thousands more. SNAP has already been cut by $11 billion, reducing every household’s monthly benefit and resulting in millions of lost meals. SNAP families cannot afford any cuts in the farm bill. Support the Senate-passed farm bill’s (S.954) international food aid provisions. These provisions will increase the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency of food aid so that we can respond better to the complex challenges of global hunger and malnutrition today. Forty-nine million Americans live at risk of hunger, and more than 1 billion people around the world live in extreme poverty. SNAP and international food aid programs must be protected in the farm bill. Email or call Rep. Jim McDermott and Sen. Maria Cantwell and Sen. Patty Murray at 800-826-3688 today! Thank you for your advocacy. Sincerely, Eric Mitchell Director of Government Relations, Bread for the World

Northwest Harvest is Hiring! PUBLIC POLICY COORDINATOR/CENTRAL & EASTERN WASHINGTON

POSITION TITLE: PUBLIC POLICY COORDINATOR/CENTRAL & EASTERN WASHINGTON
NORMAL WORK WEEK: Non-Exempt, FTE, normally M-F, but travel and special events required
LOCATION: Spokane Warehouse
REPORTS TO: Public Policy Manager
 REVISED DATE: October 2013

Implements grassroots organizing plan for Northwest Harvest (NWH) partner programs with focus in central and eastern Washington. In addition to public policy and advocacy, works with all three Hunger Response Network department managers to implement all departmental activities, including partner program communication and technical assistance with our statewide network of over 360 food banks, meal programs, and high need schools; the Three Squares program that addresses childhood hunger; and annual focus group project.

Time Breakdown

•   60% Public Policy
  
•   30% Partner Programs
  
•   10% Three Squares
  
  Primary Duties
  General
  

•   confers regularly by telephone, email, written correspondence, and face to face with representatives of partner programs primarily served by the Yakima and Spokane warehouses, and other agencies regarding the implementation of NWH’s advocacy program and grassroots mobilization work plan, programs, events, and agency policies;
  
•   proofreads NWH Advocacy Updates before emailing, maintains advocacy email database and contributes to Partner Program Newsletter, edits materials for accuracy, appearance, readability, and style; and;
  
•   takes notes, types, edits, and files all meeting minutes and documentation;
  
•   maintains current content for the NWH website, including advocacy updates, updated and current partner
  information, and non-profit and grant resources for central and eastern WA resources;
  
•   assesses advocacy, physical and organizational capacity and training needs for central and eastern Washington partner programs and creates and disseminates training materials to alleviate those needs;
  
•   maintains good communication with all warehouse staff in carrying out partner program, Three Squares and other food program needs;
  
•   performs other duties as assigned;
  

Advocacy

•   attends Anti-Hunger and Nutrition Coalition, Western Regional Anti-Hunger Consortium, and Food Research Action Center meetings when appropriate, coordinates logistics, attendance and prepares materials for Hunger Action Day when necessary;
  
•   schedules legislative appointments for Public Policy Manager and partner programs in central and eastern Washington;
  
•   contributes information to advocacy alerts, fact sheets, and other legislative visit materials;
  
•   assists in coordinating and tracking actions taken by partner programs in support of NWH’s programs and
  policy advocacy;
  
•   assists in coordinating logistics for the Advocacy Mobilization Team;
  
•   effectively communicates NWH’s policy advocacy work at coalition meetings and other settings;
  
•   and assists in coalition building in areas identified through the Northwest Harvest Strategic Plan focus.
  
  Partner Programs
  
  •   coordinates logistics and communications for the Annual Conference, Regional Meetings, and Focus Group meetings; and implements new events such as Van Tours and educational conference calls for central and eastern Washington programs;
    
  •   updates and tracks annual membership materials, including renewals for existing partner program contracts and applications from potential new partner programs;
    
  •   represents NWH by completing site visits, food safety inspections, and maintaining ServSafe Certification;
    
  •   represents NWH at central and eastern Washington coalition meetings;
    
  •   assesses training needs of local programs and, where appropriate, assists in developing training resources to meet the needs, including launching a quarterly training phone call;
    
  •   and produces statistical information for the NWH board and staff.
    
    Three Squares
    
  •   assists with monitoring of inventory and distribution of Three Squares food to schools;
    
  •   monitors and negotiates with school sites as assigned and under the supervision of the Three Square Program Manager;
    
  •   communicates regularly with staff at the schools served by the Yakima and Spokane warehouses, especially regarding reports and deliveries.
    

Qualifications: Employee in this position will possess: excellent organizational skills; close attention to detail; strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite; valid driver’s license, valid food workers card, the ability to communicate well by telephone, in person and in writing; self-motivation, with an ability to problem solve and prioritize; commitment to teamwork with the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively; and performs other related duties to support the work of the department as required. Desired qualifications include prior experience with direct service delivery and interest in addressing the root causes of hunger and poverty, and Bachelor’s Degree or higher, preferably in social work or social sciences, at least 3 years’ experience as a grassroots organizer for campaigns that work on anti-poverty and social justice issues preferred; or at least five year’s work experience in the anti-hunger arena.

To Apply: Please send resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications for this position to publicpolicy@northwestharvest.org please put “Public Policy Coord – Eastern/Central WA” in the subject of the email. This posting closes on Friday, November 8, 2013. Please understand that due to the high volume of applicants, phone call inquiries will not be able to be returned.
Northwest Harvest is an equal opportunity employer and we are striving to build a staff that more closely reflects the population we serve.

Our Mission Statement
The mission of Northwest Harvest is to provide nutritious food to hungry people statewide in a manner that respects their dignity, while working to eliminate hunger.

Our Vision Statement
The vision of Northwest Harvest is that ample nutritious food is available to everyone in Washington State.

Northwest Harvest Core Values

•   Embrace diversity
  
•   Passionate about our work
  
•   Practice careful stewardship of resources
  
•   Hold ourselves accountable
  
•   Foster collaboration in addressing the issues of hunger
  
•   Respect and honor the dignity of every person
  
  Northwest Harvest Employment Philosophy
  

•   We value loyalty and service in our employees.
  
•   We will promote fairness and equity in employment practices and compensation.
  
•   We want to motivate and incent employees to perform consistently at their highest level and as needed by
  the Agency.
  
•   We want a collaborative/team culture where each member works toward the common goal of fulfilling our mission.
  
•   We will strive to have a diverse workforce.
  
•   We will strive to balance the needs of the employee with the needs of the Agency. 
  

Meet Our Members: Asian Couseling and Referral Service

Meditation Garden Outside ACRS

By Stephanie Marin, Advocacy Assistant

After October 14th's Seattle Food Committee Meeting, I had the pleasure of touring the Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) building on Martin Luther King Jr. Way S.  This five year old green building is the hub of the organization with a full range of services spanning three floors.  A bamboo floored gym with attached gourmet kitchen on the organizations bottom floor serves many purposes over the course of the week.  Tuesday through Thursday mornings ACRS hosts Club Bamboo in the space, an Ethnic Hot Meal
program

ACRS Gymnasium

with culturally appropriate activities for community members 60 and older.  In the afternoon, the gym transforms into an after school meeting place for community youth to eat and play.

Gilded Bowls

            Further down the hall, you can get yourself a cup of coffee at Café Hope, one of ACRS’s job skills training opportunities for clients.  While sipping your cup of joe, enjoy the unique artwork spanning the buildings walls.  A large cylinder of blue, white, and gold gilded bowls loom in the stairwell while cultural clothed, handmade dolls span the main wall up to the 3^rd floor.   Both are the handiwork of ACRS clients and staff, showing just how much this space means to them!

            Around the rest of the bottom floor and through the 2^nd floor, a multitude of offices, conference rooms, and computer labs provide space for ACRS variety of programs and other community needs.  Staff is on hand ready and willing to help for counseling, casework, and referrals in 30 languages!  Homeless clients also have access to showers and laundry facilities on site.  ACRS even houses offices for doctors to come in and meet with patients.  Elderly and disabled patients no longer have to travel outside of their community to meet with their doctors. 

Handmade Dolls

ACRS also offers several programs outside of their main office, including a Food Bank in the heart of the International District.  This space serves around 5,000 people per month and specializes in culturally appropriate food for Asian and Pacific Islanders.  This focus means ACRS often has to purchase many of the products for their food bank, most significantly rice.  ACRS’s yearly Walk for Rice helps them continue to offer rice and other culturally appropriate foods to Seattle’s Asian and Pacific Islander communities!

To Learn More about ACRS and their Services, Please Visit: http://www.acrs.org/

The Average American Diet! 

It’s October 24^th which means FOOD DAY!  This national movement is all about creating a stronger food system with healthy, sustainable, and affordable food for everyone.  In other words, Eating Real.  The  infographic to the left shows the health effects of not eating real.  Think that’s bad? Look at the effects on Children!

American Children's Diet

Washington Food Coalition's mission is to build a strong emergency food system, which includes providing access to healthy foods for anyone in need. We strive to elevate the need for healthy food for all, and today is a great day for everyone to join us in this work!

Get Involved:

Want to Support Your Local Organizations? Food Related Events from Festivals to Films are Happening all Day! To find an event near you visit: http://www.foodday.org/events

Interested in Mobilizing your Community Around Healthy Food? Join the Healthy Food Access Portal’s Webinar, Food Policy 101: Expanding Healthy Food Access on Food Day 2013

Test Your Knowledge:

Do You Know How The Food You Eat Affects Your Health and the Environment?  These 14 Questions May Surprise You: http://www.foodday.org/14questions

Think You Are Food Literate?  Take this Quiz to find out!

For More Information about Food Day Visit: http://www.foodday.org/

It’s not just one day, It’s an entire movement!

Queen Anne Food Bank is hiring a new Operations Assistant

Operations & Program Assistant

The Queen Anne Food Bank is a ministry of Sacred Heart Church. With the help of over 50

volunteers weekly, we serve sack lunches and hot soup Monday-Friday to over 100

residents living in the Lower Queen Anne and Belltown neighborhoods and another 70

households each week through our grocery distribution program.

The Operations and Program Assistant reports to the Operations Manager, and assists

with the management and daily operations of the food bank and meal program. An ideal

candidate has an interest in food justice, has excellent communication skills and is excited

about building community among volunteers, clients and other supporters while learning

about the daily operations of a busy food bank.

This is 30-40 hour/week position. Candidate is paid hourly DOE. Full benefits included.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Schedules and carries out food pickups from our partners, is a point person for key

partners involved with Seattle's Table and Grocery Rescue;

• Has a thorough understanding of the requirements of the King County Health

Department and is comfortable overseeing volunteer compliance with health code;

• Manages inventory and liaises with the Operations Manager to coordinate monthly

food drive schedule and community food drive partnerships;

• Assists with running daily activities at the food bank and provides leadership to

volunteer teams;

• Assists management team with outreach activities and event planning;

• Attends meetings pertaining to food bank operations.

Requirements:

• Good physical condition: ability to lift up to fifty pounds up fifteen stairs. Ability to

bend, reach and load food into and out of vehicles;

• Proficient with computer systems such as Microsoft Office, SalesForce Non-Profit,

and Excel;

• Has a passion for the work, i.e. feels called to food justice work and is driven to

contribute to the development of a small, new non-profit;

• Washington State drivers license with ability to drive a large van;

• Experience working in the food service industry is a plus;

• Proven ability to meet deadlines;

• First Aid certification or willingness to become certified in first aid.

Skills and Competencies:

• A candidate with a relevant B.A. degree, management certificate, or comparable

combination of education and work experience is preferred.

• Interpersonal skills: ability to communicate effectively in person, on the telephone,

in writing, and in the public arena;

• Ability to remain organized and work effectively across a variety of tasks

throughout a day;

• Excellent relationship-building and problem-solving skills;

• Ability to effectively relate to persons of diverse ages, backgrounds, skills and

abilities;

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team, manage time effectively,

prioritize and meet deadlines;

• Creative and resourceful with an ability to work within a setting that is constantly

in a state of change;

• Willingness to help in all areas as needed;

• Ability to see the humor in stressful situations.



Interested candidates please email your resume and cover letter to info[at]qafb.org with

subject line "Operations Assistant". Only short listed candidates will be contacted. The

application deadline is 11pm on Monday November 4, 2013.

Learning Cross Cultural Competency

By Stephanie Marin, Advocacy Assistant

Seattle Food Committee brought in Dr. Caprice Hollins on Monday to get a discussion started about race and cultural competency among Seattle emergency food providers.

Dr. Hollins describes discriminatory conflicts as three types of micro-aggressions:

1. Micro-Assaults: These are what we typically think of when we think of racism, sexism, etc.  People consciously, purposely, and non-apologetically lash out in a discriminatory way toward another person or group.
2.  Micro-Insults: These are much more subtle slights and often unintentional.  Most of the time, these are unconscious, hidden offensive messages that could seem like nothing if only seen once, but if we see the same message over and over again, can have serious consequences.
3. Micro-Invalidation: These are when we brush off someone’s experience because it is not ours.  In other words, we do not recognize their differences in experience and thus invalidate their feelings.

 I doubt any one of us would stand Micro-Assaults in our workplaces, but micro-insults or micro-invalidation could easily happen.  Both of these come from very innocent places and any could easily happen with regards to race, sex, age, or a combination of all of these!  Have you ever said to someone:  I know Mickey, he would never do that!  That’s a micro-invalidation, and may make someone you work with very uncomfortable.

As service providers to a diverse community, we need to make sure our actions (and reactions!) show respect.  Sometimes what we say can come from a very innocent place, but cause someone else real hurt.  Dr. Hollins points out that our gut response is often, “That’s not what I meant!”  It is hard to see ourselves as people that cause pain!  We also do not want to think of ourselves as that person who is ignorant, biased, etc.  Our different backgrounds and experiences, however, can instill in us habits that may offend other people and that’s okay.  No one is perfect! According to Dr. Hollins, it is more about how we react to offending someone that gives us character. 

Instead of becoming defensive, why not try asking questions?  This can open up a dialogue and help you learn from your mistake.  Dr. Hollins also points out the importance of body language.  Not everyone will tell you when they take offense to something you say.  Often, clues are more subtle, such as withdrawn posture or a change in conversational tone.  Stopping the conversation and simply asking if you have said something wrong can go a long way to saving a relationship and learning for the future. 

So next time your co-worker, volunteer, client, comes to you about something you or someone else said:

• Ask Questions!
• Don’t jump to conclusions
•  Put yourself in his/her shoes

Take advantage of the uncomfortable situation as a learning experience to make your program a welcoming environment for everyone. Washington’s diverse range of clientele, volunteers, and staff make it important to be aware of our actions!

I am no expert, but Dr. Hollins is!  For More Information Visit: http://www.culturesconnecting.com/

Meet Our Members: University District Food Bank

by Sariga Santhosh, Development Assistant

Welcome to UDFB

You wouldn't know it based on appearances alone, but the University District Food Bank is a big deal. For 30 years, the food bank has been a permanent fixture in its community, providing clients in the northeast Seattle area with the resources to make nutritionally balanced meals at home. Last year, this third-busiest food bank in the city distributed about 2.3 million pounds of food over the span of 55,000 customer visits. Open 5 days a week, the food bank relies heavily on the manpower of its small yet dedicated staff and volunteers. Even more impressive is the fact this wonderful work happens in an 800 square foot space!

Food bank entrance

You  can enroll for food stamps here!

Stacked boxes used for the delivery program

This busy food bank runs some popular programs to meet the different needs of its community. The Packs For Kids program is a collaborative effort between the food bank and four local public schools to ensure students have access to healthy food choices during the weekends. Similarly, the home delivery program reaches elderly and disabled customers at their homes when accessing the food bank can pose an issue. Both programs are run by a full-time Home Delivery Coordinator, Annika Janzen. Her tireless work, like that of other staff members and countless volunteers, helps keep these important  programs afloat. 

Food bank volunteers chatting with drop off donors

The University District Food Bank thrives on the strong community relationships it has built with businesses in the area that keep its pantries stocked all year round. Stores that call themselves weekly donors include Safeway, Quality Food Centers (QFC), Starbucks, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Bartell Drugs, and several bakeries to name a few. Sometimes, donations come in the form of produce harvested from neighborhood vegetable patches. Having such loyal and diverse weekly donors help keep this little food bank a household name.

Mural outside the food bank

During these trying times, the food bank estimates that about two-thirds of the households that use the food bank have at least one person currently employed, but rely on the food bank to reallocate limited funds towards other monthly expenses like gas and childcare. Despite the strain placed by the growing numbers of customers, these are exciting times for the University District Food Bank. Currently in the middle of their Fight Hunger, Build Hope capital campaign, a 3 year/ $3 million campaign to expand distribution and storage capacity through the acquisition of a new and bigger facility, the food bank is optimistic about their ability to reach even more people in need and empower them with access to vital community resources that will help lift themselves out of poverty.

Shelves are organized by the different nutritional food groups 

Grocery store-style aisles allow customers to choose their own food

Volunteers working on opening the food bank

Extra storage area for dry foods

Inspired by this food bank and want to learn more? Check out their website and let us know what you think about the wonderful work they do!

Update & Action Alert from AHNC

Update & Action Alert  Senate Letter of Support for Full Funding for SNAP: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is circulating a letter to Farm Bill Conferees in support of full funding for SNAP in the Farm Bill.  As the Senate and House move towards a farm bill conference, anti-hunger champions in Congress need our voices to demonstrate the large breadth of support for SNAP and opposition to the draconian cuts in the House Bill, especially as we begin to hear about which House members will be appointed to conference with the Senate to finalize a Farm Bill (see below).   We hope all Senate Democrats, as well as Senators Murkowski (R-AK), Kirk (R-IL), and Collins (R-ME), will sign the letter of support. Click here to read the letter.    Take Action:  Call Sen. Patty Murray (202- 224-2621) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (202- 224-3441) and urge them to sign onto Gillibrand's Farm Bill letter rejecting SNAP cuts.  To sign on, senators' offices should contact Lauren Au (lauren_au@gillibrand.senate.gov or 202-224-3461) by Wed., Oct. 16th. Urge Congress to End the Government Shut Down: As we near a week with no federal budget, closed government services, and uncertainty about future funding for critical services, your Representatives in the House need to hear from you. A national coalition of human services organizations has organized national toll-free call-in days through Friday, Oct. 11. Piecemeal attempts to fund some programs are no solution to passing a comprehensive budget; we all need a simple vote in the House on a short-term bill with NO riders or conditions to keep services running and to avoid default. Take Action:  Call your Representative toll-free at: (888) 659- 9562 through Friday, Oct. 11. Sample message: "As your constituent, I urge you to act NOW to end the government shut down with no strings attached.  Vote to restore all funding for critical services families count on and protect key hunger and health programs."  News about Farm Bill Conferees from today's CQ Roll Call: "House Agriculture Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) confirms that the Republican farm bill conferees will include Florida Rep. Steve Southerland as a representative of the GOP leadership. Southerland has been the leading GOP proponent of imposing new work requirements on food stamp recipients, an issue important to Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va).... House Agriculture's ranking Democrat, Collin Peterson, expressed dismay that Southerland would be part of the conference, saying that suggested the Republican leadership probably would push for deep cuts in nutrition spending. "That's very bad news," Peterson said....    Lucas said the conferees likely wouldn't be officially named until the House deals with the debt ceiling issue." Getting Geared Up for 2014 Legislative Session in Olympia: Earlier this week at AHNC's membership meeting, organizations presented legislative proposals to be considered for AHNC's 2014 legislative agenda. The Steering Committee will meet in early November to review final details from each organization; then, as in recent years, all AHNC members will be able to vote online on AHNC's priorities in mid-November in time for legislative Committee Days before Thanksgiving. Here is a quick overview of each of the proposals: Fully fund State Food Assistance (led by Children's Alliance): State Food Assistance is Washington's innovative state food stamp program for legal immigrants who cannot receive federal benefits. Benefits for the State Food Assistance Program were cut in half in 2012. As a result of advocacy, benefits were increased in 2013 to 75% of federal benefits. Yet these families still have approximately half of the benefitsneeded to purchase enough food to be food secure. Fully funding SFA will give an estimated 11,900 families $4 per person per day in food benefits, up from the current $2 per day. Add funding for Emergency Food Assistance Program for food banks(Washington Food Coalition): Food banks receiving EFAP funds saw a 34% increase in total client visits from 2008 (6.2 million visits) to 2013 (8.3 million visits). As safety net services have been cut, more people now rely on local food banks for assistance and the number of visits per client continues to increase (5.6 visits per year in 2011 to 6.3 in 2013). Despite these increasing strains on food banks, state funds have not increased since 2008. Serve Breakfast After the Bell in high poverty schools (United Way of King Co.): School meals are an effective way to get vital nutrition to kids so that they are prepared to succeed in school and life; unfortunately, less than 50% of WA kids enrolled in free/reduced price school meals participate in the School Breakfast Program. This proposal, modeled on other states' successful legislation, would require schools with a high concentration of kids eligible for free and reduced price school meals to serve breakfast after the school day begins. Restore partial funding for Farmers Market Nutrition Programs for WIC and Seniors (WA State Farmers Market Assoc.): Since 2011, state funds for WIC FMNP have been cut $300,000 per year, so 15,000 low income moms and young childrenhave lost essential funds to purchase healthy fruits and vegetables from WA farmers. Due to sequestration, over 1,250 low income seniors have lost Senior FMNP benefits, and these cuts come on top of other cuts to supports for seniors and increasing demand from a growing population of elderly. Since 2009, Senior FMNP has been cut by $105,000. Reform state revenue and taxes to fund critical services (Revenue Coalition): After years of an all-cuts approach to balancing the state budget, we need to continue tax reforms and revenue options started last session to ensure we have sufficient funds to support critical education and safety net services into the future. Our state needs to reform the tax expenditure system so that tax exemptions are regularly reviewed and have clear accountability requirements. As the most regressive tax system in the country, we also need to take steps to reform our tax structure so it is more equitable and no longer places a disproportionate burden on those who earn the least.       If you have any questions, please get in touch. Thanks for all your hard work on behalf of hungry people across Washington - best, Claire (206) 830-7642 ClaireL@WithinReachWA.org   Follow us on

Advocates Update from Northwest Harvest

Advocates Update Thursday, October 10      IN THIS ISSUE Help End the Government Shutdown Northwest Harvest PO Box 12272 Seattle, Washington 98102 800-722-6924 The mission of Northwest Harvest is to provide nutritious food to hungry people statewide in a manner that respects their dignity, while fighting to eliminate hunger.  Your Weekly Action Alert:  Help End the Government Shutdown Federal Level:   The shutdown of the federal government continues into a second week, but if Congress fails to end this impasse soon, America is at risk of another financial crisis. Read more     What You Can Do:  Call and Share Stories to Help End the Shutdown!   The only way we can end this shutdown is by making Congressional members feel the heat from voters who are angry about the loss of programs and services. Please do your part today by calling and sharing stories about the impact of the shutdown on you or someone you know. Here are several ways that you can do that quickly and easily. Call 1-888-659-9562* today through Friday. You'll be asked for your zip code and will then be connected to the office of your member of Congress toll-free. Because of the furlough, offices are handling phone calls in different ways: in some cases, you may only be able to leave a voicemail, but in some cases, the Congressional member may answer the phone because their staff has been laid off. Our experience with Washington's Congressional members has been that staff has been able to answer the phone and take a message. Here's a suggested message: As your constituent, I want you to act NOW to end the government shutdown and prevent the economic catastrophe of a government default, without conditions.  Please vote to restore funding for all of the services that families count on and to protect food stamps, WIC, emergency food, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. *Special thanks to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees for making this phone number available!    In some cases, Congressional members whose staff has been furloughed are unable to get messages or emails. You can still share your stories about the shutdown using social media and by writing letters to the editor of your local paper. When tweeting or Facebooking about effects of the shutdown, be sure to use the hashtag #shutdown.     Share your stories with Northwest Harvest! We're compiling stories to relay to Congressional members about what is happening in their districts in order to help urge an end to the shutdown. You can email your stories to our Public Policy Manager: christinaw@northwestharvest.org    Share this alert far and wide and quickly with your contacts!  Tip for Our Partners: It's important to share information with clients and with your community about the shutdown in order to help prepare for a response to need. You can share our recent blog post about the shutdown's effect on food and nutrition programs as well as this alert to help answer questions or clear up misunderstandings if a client thinks that the shutdown is to blame for the loss of any food related benefits this month.  More importantly, sharing this information may inspire those who are most affected by this shutdown to act and to call their Congressional members!