Kitsap Credit Union and the KCUCares Foundation donates $160,000 to Send Hunger Packing!

On December 9, 2022, Kitsap Credit Union presented check donations totaling $160,000 to 26 local Food Banks and Backpack for Kids organizations from Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, and Pierce Counties of Washington State at its Send Hunger Packing event.

“Last year, we launched The KCUCares Foundation to spearhead larger community outreach projects focusing on Financial Education, Homelessness, & Hunger,” said Kitsap Credit Union CEO Shawn Gilfedder. “Since 2019, we have donated $492,000 to local food banks and backpack for kids feeding programs. And this year, at our Send Hunger Packing event, we continued our Kitsap Credit Union mission with the donation of $160,000.”

At the event, 25 local organizations each received a $6000 donation from the credit union. Washington State’s leading hunger relief agency, Northwest Harvest was donated $10,000.

During these uncertain times, limited economic means continue to increase the number and frequency of individuals and families relying on local food banks and food assistance programs. In addition, the number of students registering for free and reduced lunches continues to grow in our communities.

“This year’s funding to these organizations shows Kitsap Credit Union’s gratitude for each organization’s tireless work throughout the year,” said Gilfedder. “As an organization, we are committed to continuing our support of their herculean efforts.”

Food Bank recipients included: Northwest Harvest, Graham South Hill Food Bank, Puyallup Food Bank, Port Townsend Food Bank, Tri-Area Food Bank, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Central Kitsap Food Bank, Bremerton Food Line, North Kitsap Fishline, ShareNet, South Kitsap Helpline, North Mason Food Bank, Greater Gig Harbor Foundation, Gig Harbor Peninsula Fish and Bainbridge Island Helpline House.

Backpack Program recipients included: Food Backpack 4 kids, Coalition of Churches, Backpacks for Kids of Port Orchard, ShareNet, North Kitsap Fishline, Bremerton Backpack Brigade, Central Kitsap Food Backpack 4 Kids, Chimacum Backpacks for Kids, Kiwanis Backpack Program, United Way of Pierce County, and Parkway Community Services.