Public News Service

School Lunch Hero Day - promoted by the School Nutrition Association - is celebrated annually on the first Friday in May. (Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

School Lunch Heroes? Workers ask for respect via higher wages

School districts around Washington and elsewhere may have celebrated School Lunch Hero Day on Friday, a salute to cafeteria workers - but food …

Washington state lawmakers are engaging in important budget negotiations this session, including measures that deal with food assistance. (Zack Frank/Adobe Stock)

Anti-hunger advocates call for action at WA Capitol

It's Hunger Action Day at the Washington State Capitol. Advocates are in Olympia to meet with lawmakers and call for policies that curb hunger…

More than 45,000 Washingtonians are diagnosed with diabetes each year, according to estimates. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Beyond Diabetes Awareness Month: Tips for managing disease at home

November has been Diabetes Awareness Month - but heading into the holidays, people who are diabetic know they can't lose their focus on keeping it in …

Seg�n estimaciones, m�s de 45,000 habitantes de Washington son diagnosticados con diabetes cada a�o. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Mes de Concientización sobre la Diabetes: Consejos para controlar la enfermedad en casa

Noviembre fue el Mes de la Concientización sobre la Diabetes, pero de cara a las vacaciones, los diabéticos saben que no pueden perder de …

Washington state food banks are expressing concern about the drop in volunteers since the height of the pandemic. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Lack of Volunteers Hurts WA Food Banks at Crucial Time

A shortage of volunteers is taking its toll on food banks in Washington state. Joe Gruber, executive director of the University District Food Bank …

Nearly 200,000 children in Washington state are facing hunger, according to Feeding America. (FAMILY STOCK/Adobe Stock)

As School Year Nears, Child Hunger Major Struggle in WA

The new school year is around the corner and one issue in the spotlight in Washington state is child hunger. Even with free breakfast and lunch …

Food insecurity ranged from 32% to 73% across Washington state counties in a hunger survey. (Mikhailov Studio/Adobe Stock)

Hunger Remains Top Concern for Many WA Families

Three years on from the start of the pandemic, securing food is one of the biggest challenges facing households in Washington state. The Washington …

Restoration Community Impact provides greens through its market that are inclusive of a variety of cultures. (Marlando and Stephanie Sparks)

Providing Inclusive Foods Integral Mission for WA Food Pantries

Food assistance is integral for families - but it's also important that the food available makes sense culturally. The American Heart Association …

More than 40 million Americans receive aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. (jetcityimage/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Provides Food Assistance in Face of Federal 'Cliff' to Aid

The pandemic-era boost to federal food aid is scheduled to end soon, but legislation in Olympia aims to help fill the gap in hunger relief. The …

Federal waivers allowed every K-12 student to receive free school meals for two years during the pandemic. (Dennis M. Swanson/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Provides Free School Meals, But Worker Shortage is Hurdle

A measure in the Washington State Legislature would provide free school meals to K-12 students, but nutrition service workers are worried they are …

A three-pound sockeye salmon filet is now one of the options in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations for the Lummi Nation. (O'Kelly Photography/Adobe Stock)

Locally Caught Salmon Provide Step Toward Food Independence for WA Tribe

Under a new project, locally sourced food is part of a food assistance program for members of the Lummi Tribe in northwest Washington. The Food …

Central Washington University and its Wildcat Pantry are located in the small town of Ellensburg. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

WA University Student Pantry Confronts Root of Hunger on Campus

Hunger is pervasive on college campuses across the country, including in Washington, and a university in the state is one example of how students are …

Every year, about 53,000 Washingtonians are diagnosed with diabetes. (Photographee.eu/Adobe Stock)

Diabetes Month: Disease A Challenge for Millions in US

November is national diabetes month, spotlighting a disease that affects millions of Americans. In Washington state, more than 580,000 people have …

A public-health state of emergency had been in place in Washington state since February 2020. (fabrus/Adobe Stock)

Fallout Reverberates from End of WA Pandemic Emergency Declaration

Washington state has ended its COVID-19 state of emergency, and that's having effects on the public benefits people were relying on to get through …

Nearly 640,000 people were considered food insecure in Washington state in 2020, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. (timonko/Adobe Stock)

White House Convenes First Hunger Conference in 50+ Years

It's been more than 50 years since the White House held a gathering about the effects of hunger across the nation. In 1969, the White House held its …

Kids have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. Advocates are in Washington, D.C., to bring attention to the issues. (Sergey Novikov/Adobe Stock)

Child Advocates Meet with Leaders in DC, Call for Investments in Kids

Advocates for child well-being are in the nation's capital today, calling on lawmakers to invest in children. The Save the Children advocacy summit …

Washington state is the country's leading producer of apples. (Bernt Rostad/Flickr)

Groups Fill Food-Access Gaps in WA School District

When school districts are not able to provide summer-school classes, it can have a big effect on how children get meals. Case in point: the Mount …

In Washington state, a 2021 survey found one-third of households with children were food insecure. (Eugenio Marongiu/Adobe Stock)

Creative Solutions Address Rural Hunger for Kids, Where Need is High

The highest rates of food insecurity for children are in rural areas, which has prompted innovative ways to solve the issue. According to Feeding …

In order to receive meals from the Feeding Our Communities program, about 120 cars line up every Thursday. (United Way of King County)

Breaking Cultural Barriers to Feed Communities

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. - An organization in one Washington state city is bringing together diverse communities and breaking down barriers to food…

About 13 million children may experience food insecurity in 2021, according to Feeding America. (Renee Jansoa/Adobe Stock)

Helping Communities Take Lead to Feed WA Children

SEATTLE - A growing number of Washington state kids are hungry because of the pandemic. Local programs are aiming to reverse this troubling trend…

A recent report ranked Washington state third best for the well-being of children during the pandemic. (Gargonia/Adobe Stock)

Report: WA Children Faring Better than in Other States During Pandemic

SEATTLE -- Millions of children in the United States are bearing the brunt of the COVID-19 crisis, although Washington kids are doing better than …

Some Seattle restaurants secure their salmon supplies months in advance, to ensure they can serve this iconic Northwest fish. (Aldo/Adobe Stock)

NW Infrastructure Plan Could Bolster WA Restaurants

SEATTLE -- If the Pacific Northwest has a taste, it's for the region's salmon, but as the iconic fish species dwindles, it also effects a food chain …

About 9% of the population globally is food insecure. (tong2530/Adobe Stock)

Rejoining Paris Agreement: Good Sign for Global Food Supply

SEATTLE, Wash. -- The United States has rejoined the Paris climate agreement, an indicator the Biden administration plans to get serious about …

The nonprofit Save the Children has helped distribute 600,000 meals to kids in rural Washington during the pandemic. (Dmitriy/Adobe Stock)

Overcoming Special Challenges to Get Food to Rural WA Kids

SEATTLE -- Hunger is on the rise across the country because of the pandemic, and it can be especially hard to get food to children living in rural …

The Child and Adult Care Food Program serves more than 4.2 million children healthy meals and snacks each day. (Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

Fed Relief Available for Healthy Meals at WA Child-Care Programs

SEATTLE -- Some child-care providers in Washington state can get reimbursed to serve healthy meals. The federal Child and Adult Care Food Program …

The Renton school district serves about 15,500 students. (Marc Sanchez/Adobe Stock)

WA School Bus Drivers' Aid Plan for Students Stalled

RENTON, Wash. -- School bus drivers want to help students struggling during the pandemic, but drivers in the Renton school district feel like their …

States are closely watching negotiations over a novel coronavirus relief package in Congress. (sherryvsmith/Adobe Stock)

With Congress Back in Session, Push for COVID-19 Relief Grows

SEATTLE -- Members of Congress are back in Washington, D.C., after their summer recess and novel coronavirus relief is the biggest looming issue in …

The Seattle demonstrations against the World Trade Organization in 1999 are seen as turning point in how police handle protests. (Steve Kaiser/Flickr)

50-Year-Old Report Warns Against Police Tactics Used Today

SEATTLE - In the past week of demonstrations over George Floyd's death, videos on social media have shown police across the nation using force to …

Since 2018, California has had a law in place allowing businesses to prepare food in home kitchens. (Andy Dean/Adobe Stock)

Stymied in Legislature, WA Home-Kitchen Backers Won't Give Up

SEATTLE -- While a bill to legalize home kitchens for businesses has died in the Washington state Legislature, supporters believe the effort helped …

La Representante Jaypal (D-WA) se sum� esta semana a grupos del estado de Washington en una mesa redonda para apoyar una medida de cr�dito fiscal para las familias trabajadoras. (SEIU 775)

Crédito fiscal de WA podría ayudar a familias trabajadoras a “Pagar las Cuentas”

SEATTLE – En la próxima sesión legislativa comienza la iniciativa para que la legislatura otorgue perdones fiscales a las familia…

The Tilth Alliance, its Seattle community garden seen above, is bringing together farmers and farmworkers in Yakima this weekend. (CAJC: in the PNW/Flickr)

Farmers Meet Up in WA as Harvest Season Winds Down

YAKIMA, Wash. – Washingtonians who work the land to provide their neighbors with food are coming together, as the production season slows down…

Families spend about $300 more each month on meals during the summer, compared with their food costs during the school year. (Aleksei Potov/Adobe Stock)

Bill in Congress Would Address Need for Summer Meals

SEATTLE — While summer provides a break from school, it also can be a season of hunger for some kids. A bill in Congress could help address …

Las familias gastan aproximadamente $300 m�s por mes en comidas durante el verano, que durante el a�o escolar. (Aleksei Potov/Adobe Stock)

En el Congreso, iniciativa para abordar la necesidad de Comidas de Verano

SEATTLE – Una iniciativa del Congreso (H.R.2818) abordaría la necesidad de contar con comidas para los estudiantes durante el verano…

Stroke is the sixth-leading cause of death in Washington state. (cameravit/Adobe Stock)

Prevention Methods in Focus for American Stroke Month

TACOMA, Wash. — May is American Stroke Month, and a few tips can help people lower their chances of having a stroke. According to the American …

Farmworkers will discuss workplace retaliation and health hazards from pesticide use at the Farmworker Tribunal in Olympia on Monday. (Community to Community Development)

Farmworker Tribunal Sets Legislative Agenda from 'Bottom Up'

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Farmworkers will be in Olympia next week to discuss workplace conditions. For the sixth year, laborers from across the state of …

Food banks in Washington state are filling the gap for everyone from federal employees to small business owners in communities outside national parks. (Paul Joseph Brown/Northwest Harvest)

Ongoing Shutdown Strains Wash. Food Banks

SEATTLE – Food banks across the state are feeling the stress as the government shutdown brings more people through their doors. Thomas …

Washington joins six other states asking a federal court to overturn the EPA's decision not to ban the pesticide chlorpyrifos. (jetsandzeppelins/Flickr)

Final Arguments in Court on EPA's Refusal to Ban Dangerous Pesticide

SEATTLE — Labor, civil rights and public health groups, as well as seven states, will make their final arguments in court today challenging the …

Free summer meal programs are helping working families, who spend an extra $300 on food when school is out. (School's Out Washington)

Free Summer Meal Resources Available to Wash. Parents

SEATTLE – Summer break is approaching in Washington state, which also means many families can't rely on school for a meal during the day…

Los programas veraniegos de comidas gratuitas est�n ayudando a las familias, que gastaban $300 extra en comida cuando no hay clases. (School�s Out Washington)

Recursos para comidas gratis en verano, disponibles para padres de Washington

SEATTLE – Las vacaciones de verano están a la vuelta de la esquina, o sea que muchos pequeños perderán una fuente de comidas …

About 25 percent of the calories consumed globally come from rice, which is under threat from rising carbon dioxide levels. (Calmuziclover/Flickr)

Study: Rice Sapped of Essential Nutrients by Rising Carbon Dioxide Levels

SEATTLE – Rice is an important source of nutrients for billions of people around the world, but it could lose some of its key health benefits …

Washing your hands thoroughly and frequently can keep you from getting sick. (jackmac34/Pixabay)

Group Offers Tips for Avoiding Foodborne Illnesses

SEATTLE - March is the month in which many people start planning vacations, and health advocates say it's not too early to start thinking about food …

WSU researchers have developed a micro-particle they say can be fed to bees to help them withstand exposure to pesticides. (Photo courtesy of Brandon Hopkins and Waled Suliman.)

WSU Researchers Develop Pesticide Protection for Bees

PULLMAN, Wash. – Two Washington State University researchers have been recognized for their development of a food supplement that helps bee …

One of the farmers involved in the Photovoice project, Anna Caruso of Caruso Farms, says she takes care of the land to produce food for people, but also for her children. (Anna Caruso)

Project Gives WA Farmers a Voice on Future of Their Land

SNOHOMISH, Wash. – A new project captures the issues facing agriculture in Snohomish County through the farmer's lens - literally. Seven …

Bees are important pollinators for plants and flowers, but in the past year, populations nationwide have dropped by one-third. (Andreas/Flickr)

Last Chance to Comment on Pesticides and Bee Health

SEATTLE – Today is the final day for the public to comment on an updated assessment of four pesticides that environmental and food-safety groups…

The federal Summer Food Service program provides funding for children's meals while school is out. (School's Out Washington)

WA Community Health Center Serves Up Summer Meals

EVERETT, Wash. - Summer vacation is here, and while that means fun in the sun, for some it also means a lot of hungry days. Children who normally …

El Servicio de Comida de Verano es un programa federal que provee recursos para comidas veraniegas de los ni�os durante el receso escolar. (School's Out Washington)

Centro Comunitario de Salud de WA sirve comidas de verano

EVERETT, Wash. – Llegaron las vacaciones de verano, y si bien eso significa diversión al sol, para algunos también representa muchos …

By 2019, all chicken ordered at KFC will be raised antibiotic-free. (Mike Mozart/Flickr)

Antibiotic-Free Chicken on Menu at KFC

SEATTLE – Consumer and public health advocates are applauding the latest pledge by a fast food chain to phase out its use of chickens raised on …

Only about 1 in 10 Americans is eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, according to the CDC. (Prayitno/flickr)

It's Farmers Market Week in Washington State

SEATTLE – This week is National Farmers Market Week, and farmers in Washington want you to try something new. The U.S. Department of …

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WA: Hunger/Food/Nutrition