King County 2012 budget includes funding lifeline for Food Lifeline

Support for food provider an investment in regional services to help meet basic needs

Food Lifeline will receive critical funding to support providing food to King County residents in need as part of the 2012 King County budget adopted today by the Metropolitan King County Council.

“As the former director of an emergency services office, I know how important it is to meet the basic needs of those struggling in this tough economy,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson. “Nothing is more basic than having enough to eat, and Food Lifeline provides critical support to individuals in our region.”

Ferguson has been a strong supporter of Food Lifeline and other hunger relief organizations in King County. In 2008, Food Lifeline presented Councilmember Ferguson with an “Ending Hunger Award” for being instrumental in securing local funding to meet increased demand for food.

The 2012 King County budget designates $333,334 of one-time funds for Food Lifeline. The allocation is part of the Council’s reorganization of the Executive’s budget proposal to reinvest $1 million in human services, which have been almost entirely eliminated from the County’s General Fund as part of severe budget cuts over the last four years. Instead of creating a one-time grant fund for local human service organizations, the Council split the $1 million equally between three regional organizations focused on the basic human needs of food, shelter, and safety.

“Food Lifeline is pleased to receive this one-time donation to help meet the escalating need in King County,” said Linda Nageotte, President and CEO of Food Lifeline. “We are very grateful to the members of the County Council, Councilmember Ferguson, and the Executive for choosing to prioritize human services.”

Based in Shoreline, Food Lifeline is the largest hunger relief organization in Washington State, efficiently serving north King County and the rest of western Washington by using 96 percent of revenue to directly feed hungry people. Last year, the organization delivered more than 27 million meals to hungry people through its network of nearly 300 food banks, meal programs, and shelters. Food Lifeline is also a member of the national organization, Feeding America. More information about Food Lifeline.