SEATTLE — Lingering disruptions from the COVID pandemic have resulted in a critical decline in volunteerism.
This trend has hit our state's food banks hard. Northwest Harvest reports a decline of 70-80% in regular volunteers since 2020. At the same time, there has been a significant increase in the number of people in need of food assistance.
KING 5 is teaming up with the Seattle Seahawks, Northwest Harvest, Washington Food Coalition, Safeway, and Vault 89 for a campaign called "Back to Action." The goal is to sign up 3,000 new food bank volunteers across the state by the end of 2023.
Former Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin is lending his voice to the cause.
"I've been fortunate enough to be in a community that's cultivated this desire to give back -- not only with the Seahawks, but all the organizations we supported. I think there's a grittiness about this area and there's a desire to give back. We all have a role to play in the betterment of our society," Baldwin said.
Baldwin recently joined former teammates including Marshawn Lunch for a day of service at a food bank in White Center. He discussed the benefits of volunteering as an activity for families, or groups of friends, coworkers or teams.
"There's a number of studies that show the health benefits and well being benefits of giving back and being part of a group that gives back," Baldwin said. "Also, just being part of the community and seeing it with a holistic view. There's a lot of benefits there."
Food banks are reliant on the support from volunteers in a number of different ways.
"You have people answering the phones, there's a need for drivers, there's a need for carpenters, for people who greet folks to the food banks. There's a sense of connectivity that people want to feel."
To learn more about Back to Action and to be connected with a food bank or hunger relief organization in your area, click here.
Segment Producer Rebecca Perry. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.