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Norcliffe Foundation Donates $1 Million to Meet Food Assistance Need in Washington
COVID-19, High Unemployment Exacerbate Demand in State
SEATTLE – The spread of COVID-19 and its economic repercussions are contributing to a high demand for food assistance in Washington, and The Norcliffe Foundation responded by recently contributing $1 million to the WA Food Fund, a statewide food relief program that has raised $12.8 million since April 2020.
“At a time when so many people in our state have lost their jobs, seen their hours cut and struggle to put food on the table, it’s imperative that we assist them through this painful situation,” said Jim Pigott, trustee of The Norcliffe Foundation. “The WA Food Fund is helping meet that need by delivering food to food banks and pantries across Washington, and we are grateful for their work to raise awareness and funding.”
The Norcliffe Foundation is a private nonprofit family foundation established in 1952 by Paul Pigott, who was president of Pacific Car and Foundry Company in Seattle.
State officials estimate 2.2 million people in the state are at risk of going hungry, as record numbers of Washingtonians are out of work. For the week ending September 5, more than 356,000 people filed for unemployment and first-time claims are up 299 percent from the same time a year ago.
The WA Food Fund is managed by Philanthropy Northwest and funds are directed to three organizations that supply food banks and pantries across the state: Food Lifeline, Second Harvest and Northwest Harvest. To contribute to the WA Food Fund, visit www.wafoodfund.org.
“Even though more people are getting called back to work, the economic recovery has been uneven, and it’s our most marginalized populations that have been hardest hit and continue to suffer the brunt of this pandemic,” said Kiran Ahuja, CEO of Philanthropy Northwest. “There is great concern about a resurgence of the virus in the fall and winter as people move indoors, and we’re hopeful The Norcliffe Foundation’s contribution will inspire other foundations and corporations to help families in need today.”
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WA Food Fund is a coordinated, statewide food relief fund designed to help people in need across Washington. It is managed by Philanthropy Northwest and donations are directed to three organizations that supply food pantries across the state: Food Lifeline; Northwest Harvest; and Second Harvest.
