Local catering and corporate food service firm partners with West Seattle Food Bank to fight childhood hunger in West Seattle
Seattle, WA/February 22, 2019 – SODO-based sustainable catering company, On Safari Foods. raised $10,000 for the West Seattle Food Bank’s Backpack program at its Open House last night. An annual event, this year, the Open House featured a fundraiser which included a cash donation at the door, a raffle and a silent auction.
“We realized that the Open House, which typically attracts 200 to 300 people, was a great opportunity for us to amplify what we can give to the West Seattle Food Bank,” said On Safari CEO and West Seattle resident, Teresa Carew. As part of their commitment to sustainability, On Safari Foods donates leftover food to the West Seattle Food Bank.
“We are thrilled that our guests not only came to sample delicious food made by our outstanding chefs, but they also opened their pockets and gave generously to an organization that makes a difference for 300 to 400 youth in West Seattle every week,” she said.
The Backpack program works in collaboration with local West Seattle school staff who identify youth for the program. Every Friday afternoon, these kids collect their “backpack” which contains six balanced meals that are kid-friendly, nutritious, nonperishable, and easy to prepare and eat.
“Hungry kids can’t learn as well, and when they fall behind academically as young children, it is very hard to ever catch up,” said Judi Yazzolino, Development Director of the West Seattle Food Bank. “We are so thankful for our ongoing partnership with On Safari Foods and for the $10,000 raised last night which we will use to buy items to stock these important backpacks.”
Yazzolino added that more than 11,000 individuals including 4,428 children and 1,373 seniors in need of food and services count on the WSFB at some time during the year.
The open house was sponsored by: Pedersens Rentals, Merlino’s , Caffe Umbria, Oola, Copperworks, Be’s Vinum, Lummi Island Wild, Amie Stafford, Potraitist, Seattle Escape Games and Macrina Bakery.
On Safari Foods is a sustainable catering and corporate food service company located in Seattle’s SODO neighborhood. For 27 years, On Safari Foods has been committed to using seasonal, local produce whenever possible and is one of the only Seattle caterers with a 100% humanely raised protein program.
West Seattle Food Bank is committed to providing food security and community connections to our neighbors in need.