BMAC launches new Monthly Giving Program to support food banks

WALLA WALLA - Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC), operator of the region's central food bank, is launching a new monthly giving program - Friends of the BMAC Food Bank - to provide reliable support for local food assistance as regional need continues to climb and funding challenges continue.

Every day, the BMAC Food Bank network of 13 partner pantries supplies 4,000 meals across Walla Walla, Columbia, Asotin, Franklin, and Garfield counties. According to BMAC, the demand for food support has grown 200% since 2020, while key public funding has been reduced or eliminated. BMAC's goal is to raise $20,000 a month, $240,000 annually, to ensure regional food availability and continue the Backpack Bridge program for students in the 2025-2026 school year.

The new Friends of the BMAC Food Bank program will offer community members a way to make a difference by contributing monthly at one of five levels:

·  $5/month – Snack Supporter

·  $10/month – Shelf Stocker

·  $28/month – Backpack Bridge Brigade

·  $50/month – Protein Pack

·  $100/month – Meal Maker

Due to BMAC's bulk purchasing and local partnerships, every dollar donated provides approximately $1.30 worth of food. The average cost of a meal is $5 per person. The monthly donation program makes BMAC more efficient in its bulk purchasing and distribution.

"When we shared the news of cuts to our funding, so many community members asked us how they could help. We know that our region cares deeply about making sure no one faces hunger alone, and this program gives people a simple, consistent way to be part of the solution - every single month," said Danielle Garbe Reser, CEO of BMAC.

To help launch the effort, Hayden Homes pledged a $10,000 matching gift. This means every Friend of the BMAC Food Bank donor will have their first month's contribution matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling their impact.

"We're incredibly grateful to Hayden Homes for supporting our communities' fight against hunger," said CEO Garbe Reser. "Their commitment will help build momentum for the months ahead to ensure we can assist our neighbors in need."

"Hayden Homes is proud to be longtime supporter of BMAC," said Deb Flagan, VP of Community Engagement for Hayden Homes. "Now more than ever, we hope our community members will join us in supporting their local food bank."

BMAC Food Bank supporters are also encouraged to become Champions by inviting 10 friends to join them in giving monthly - multiplying their impact and helping grow a long-term base of support.

To learn more or become a Friend of the BMAC Food Bank, visit http://www.bmacww.org.