Food Distribution in Ilwaco
In Pacific County, community means a lot. We really look out for each other, especially during tough times. Right now, 1 in 7 people here struggles with food insecurity, and the situation is even worse for our kids—1 in 5 children are affected.
These numbers aren’t just statistics. They reflect real families—parents who make tough choices so their children can eat, seniors juggling groceries and medical costs, and workers facing rising prices. This isn’t about personal failure; it’s a failure of the systems meant to help.
At Pacific County Voices Uniting (PCVU), we step up. Since 2022, we’ve distributed over 454,000 pounds of food through partnerships with local nonprofits and volunteers. We’re also pushing for policies in Olympia that reflect the needs of rural families.
The demand is rising. That’s why we’re holding a major food distribution on Friday, Dec. 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Port of Ilwaco. Everyone is welcome—no forms or qualifications needed.
When we support one another, our community gets stronger. Together, we can ensure every family in Pacific County has enough to eat.
BETHANY BARNARD
Executive Director, Pacific County Voices Uniting
Waiting on Trump’s Promises
Recently, I’ve been told to look at “context” when discussing Donald Trump. While the media often focuses on certain points, Trump is very open about his views on his Truth Social account and in his speeches.
If you missed Trump’s latest speech in Pennsylvania on Dec. 9, you can find transcripts online. For example, did you know that gas prices have dropped to $1.99 in some states? Unfortunately, that doesn’t reflect our situation in Washington. Blame for high prices often falls on local government.
Trump claimed he would fix costs immediately. While prices for some items improved, like eggs, many others remain high. His promise to end the Ukraine-Russia conflict in just 24 hours raised eyebrows. Did anyone truly believe it? Yet many voted for him anyway.
Now, Trump is stirring up tensions with Venezuela and possibly Colombia over drugs. Venezuela holds the world’s largest oil reserves—303 billion barrels, far more than Saudi Arabia. It raises the question: what’s more valuable—drugs or oil?
RALPH D. WARNER
Ocean Park
Reducing Bird Flu Risk: Factory Farms
We can all help minimize the risk of bird flu while caring for animals and the environment by cutting back on animal-based foods. Bird flu spreads rapidly on factory farms and can mutate to affect other animals, even humans.
There are plenty of delicious vegan alternatives now. Brands like Beyond Meat and Gardein offer tasty plant-based options. Non-dairy milks, like almond and oat, are healthier and kinder to the planet. You can even replace eggs in baking with applesauce or flaxseeds.
As vegan diets become more mainstream, fewer animals will be raised for food. This change could reduce the chances of a bird flu outbreak or other pandemics. For more info on veganism, check out [PETA.org](https://www.peta.org).
HEATHER MOORE
Vegan Living Specialist, PETA Foundation
Third Week of the Food Bank Challenge
Instead of sharing numbers, I want to thank all the amazing volunteers working hard to help those in need. It’s tough to see families come in looking for food. The food banks operate differently than programs like EBT; what’s available can change based on donations and seasons.
This is the third week of our Food Bank Challenge, and the donations are rolling in. We’re on track to surpass last year’s totals by Dec. 19. There’s still time to support our local food banks:
- Chinook Food Bank: P.O. Box 243, Chinook, WA 98614
- Ilwaco Food Bank: P.O. Box 494, Ilwaco, WA 98624
- Ocean Park Food Bank: P.O. Box 907, Ocean Park, WA 98640
CHUCK MIKKOLA
Food Bank Challenge Volunteer
Thanks to Our Generous Community
On Dec. 13, we set up at the Ocean Park food bank to collect donations. Our third drive was incredibly successful, bringing in over $4,300 and around 300 pounds of food.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed, including local businesses and volunteers. The need is still there, and we plan to keep working for our community.
THE FOOD DRIVE ORGANIZING TEAM
Joanne Cronin, Mike and Diana Haering, Cheryl Cheney, Lyle Stoudt, Emily Meyerding, Sarah Sexton
