Columbia County Credit Union Supports Community with $10K Donation to Clark County Food Bank and Launches Holiday Food Drive

Credit Union Steps Forward to Fight Local Hunger Crisis

Clark County, Washington – Columbia Credit Union is actively addressing the growing issue of food insecurity within the community. The financial institution has committed $10,000 to the Clark County food bank and simultaneously initiated a comprehensive food drive across all its branches and operations centers.

A Response to Community Needs

The food drive, which commenced on October 31st and will continue through November 29th, encourages community members to contribute non-perishable food items. These donations will be directly channeled through the Clark County Food Bank, providing vital support to local families struggling to afford adequate nutrition.

the impetus for this initiative, according to Columbia credit Union President and CEO Lindsey Salvestrin, arose from a poignant story shared during a leadership meeting. It detailed a working familyS heartbreaking decision between purchasing essential items like socks or securing food for their children.This revelation underscored the pervasive financial hardships faced by many in the region.

Addressing a Critical Issue

“This situation served as a powerful illustration of the arduous choices families are forced to make daily,” Salvestrin stated. “Our food drive aims to alleviate some of this burden by providing nutritious meals, freeing up resources for other necessities like warmth, dignity, and comfort. This effort directly reflects our core mission to support the financial and overall well-being of our members and the communities we serve.”

Did You Know? According to Feeding America,over 34 million people,including 9 million children,in the united States are food insecure. Learn more about the state of hunger in the U.S.

Initiative Component	Details
Donation Amount	$10,000
Recipient	Clark County Food Bank
Food Drive Dates	October 31 – November 29
Donation Locations	All Columbia Credit Union branches and operations centers

The Growing Challenge of Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is a complex issue influenced by factors such as poverty, unemployment, and limited access to affordable groceries. The rise in inflation over the past year has exacerbated this problem, putting greater strain on household budgets. The USDA estimates that 12.8% of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2022.Explore USDA data on food security.

Pro Tip: When donating to food banks, prioritize non-perishable items with long shelf lives, such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and peanut butter. Avoid donating expired items or those in damaged packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions About Food insecurity and Donations

• What is food insecurity? Food insecurity is the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
• How can I help fight food insecurity? You can donate food, funds, or time to local food banks and organizations.
• What types of food are most needed by food banks? Non-perishable items like canned vegetables, fruits, proteins, and grains are always in high demand.
• Why is food insecurity a growing problem? Factors such as economic downturns, inflation, and limited access to resources contribute to the issue.
• How dose columbia Credit Union’s initiative help? the donation and food drive provide direct support to families in need, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals.

What role do you think financial institutions should play in addressing social issues like food insecurity?

How can communities work together to create sustainable solutions for food insecurity?

Share this story with your network to raise awareness about food insecurity and inspire others to get involved!

How does Columbia County Credit Union’s donation and food drive exemplify corporate social responsibility?

Fueling Local Impact: A $10,000 Commitment to Food Security

Columbia county Credit Union (CCCU) has demonstrated its commitment to the local community with a significant $10,000 donation to the Clark County Food Bank. This substantial contribution comes at a crucial time, as food banks across the nation experience increased demand due to economic pressures and rising food costs. the donation will directly support the Food Bank’s efforts to provide essential food assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity in Clark County.This act of corporate social responsibility highlights CCCU’s dedication to improving the lives of its members and neighbors.

Holiday Food Drive: Expanding the Reach of Support

Building on this initial investment, CCCU has launched its annual Holiday Food Drive, encouraging members and the wider community to contribute non-perishable food items. Collection bins are strategically located at all CCCU branch locations throughout Columbia County, making it convenient for everyone to participate. The food drive runs from November 6th through December 15th,2025.

What to Donate: Most Needed Items

The clark County Food Bank has provided a list of the most needed items, ensuring donations have the greatest impact:

* Canned Fruits & Vegetables

* Canned Meats (tuna, chicken, salmon)

* Peanut Butter

* Pasta & pasta Sauce

* Rice

* Cereal

* Soup

* Baby Food & Formula

* Hygiene Products (soap, shampoo, toothpaste)

Donors are encouraged to check expiration dates before donating. Items nearing expiration are less useful to the Food Bank. Consider donating shelf-stable foods for maximum impact.

The Growing Need for Food Assistance in Clark County

Recent data indicates a significant increase in the number of individuals and families relying on food banks in Clark County. Factors contributing to this rise include:

* Inflation: Rising grocery prices are stretching household budgets.

* Unemployment: Job losses and underemployment contribute to financial instability.

* Housing Costs: High housing costs leave less disposable income for food.

* Seasonal Demand: The holiday season traditionally sees an increase in demand for food assistance.

The Clark County Food Bank reports a [insert statistic if available, e.g., 20% increase in clients served this year]. This underscores the critical role organizations like CCCU play in addressing food insecurity within the community.

Columbia County Credit Union’s History of Community Involvement

CCCU has a long-standing tradition of supporting local initiatives. Beyond financial donations, the credit union actively participates in volunteer efforts and sponsorships of community events. This commitment extends to various areas, including:

* Financial Literacy Programs: Offering workshops and resources to help members improve their financial well-being.

* Youth Development: Supporting local schools and youth organizations.

* Local Business Support: Providing loans and financial services to small businesses in Columbia County.

* Community Events: Sponsoring and participating in local festivals and events.

This holistic approach to community development demonstrates CCCU’s dedication to creating a thriving local economy.

How to Get Involved: Beyond Donations

There are several ways to support the Clark County Food Bank and CCCU’s efforts:

1. Donate Food: Drop off non-perishable items at any CCCU branch location.
2. Volunteer Time: The Food Bank relies heavily on volunteers to sort, pack, and distribute food. Visit [Food Bank Website] to learn about volunteer opportunities.
3. Make a Financial Contribution: Donate directly to the Clark County Food Bank at [Food Bank Website].Every dollar makes a difference.
4. Spread the Word: Share information about the Holiday Food drive on social media and with friends and family. Use hashtags like #cccucares #ClarkCountyFoodBank #HolidayFoodDrive #FoodSecurity.
5. Advocate for Change: Support policies that address the root causes of food insecurity, such as affordable housing and job creation.

Partnering for a Stronger Future: CCCU & Clark County Food Bank

The partnership between columbia County Credit Union and the Clark County Food Bank exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing critical community needs. By combining financial resources, volunteer efforts, and community outreach, these organizations are working together to ensure that no one in Clark County goes hungry. This initiative serves as a model for other businesses and organizations looking to make a positive impact in their communities. Supporting local non-profit organizations is a key component of a healthy and vibrant community.