The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank believes that food is a right and not a privilege. This right is not dependent on the color of one's skin, where they're from, their socioeconomic status, or any other factor. Join us here for periodic updates as we learn together how to grow in racial and cultural intelligence, learning to value others as we ourselves desire to be valued.

June 19, 2020

In Solidarity with the Black Community

Today, more than ever, we need to come together as a united strong voice and a participant to influence changes within societal systems that continue to foster poverty and racism. The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank (IFCB) stands with our Black community and we whole-heartedly believe and embrace that Black Lives Matter. We are inspired by the hundreds of thousands of people across our nation who are peacefully protesting and demanding an end to anti-Black racism, police violence, and oppressive systems built on allowing the ‘status quo’ of racism to continue.

As our staff team discusses the injustices occurring over the last few months and for far too long, we recognize what an important role we each play individually and as an organization. We recognize our own places of privilege within our communities and society as a whole and realize we must not stand by and allow the current system of racism, hate, unconscious bias, systemic discrimination, and inequity to continue. 

We hold our core values of respect, support, acceptance, and partnership close with every decision we make. We also believe in continual improvement and recognize that, as a pillar nonprofit in our community, we have a responsibility to grow and learn about taking the lead in ending inequity and racism locally.

We are committed to fighting against the status quo of racist complacency. We invite you to stand with us in rejecting racism and hate. Join us in being both outraged and heartbroken about social injustice and racism. Use this outrage to participate with us as we learn how to listen better, support each other more effectively, and truly create systems that embrace and promote real equity.

Our current call to action: Follow along with the IFCB staff to deepen our understanding about Black Lives Matter by joining us in future IFCB conversations about how we plan to make a difference. Watch here for details and updates.

Some resources to expand your knowledge on this topic:

Documentary 13th

Black Lives Matter website

ACLU website

#8cantwait website

Color of Change website

On behalf of the entire staff team,

Cori Walters
Executive Director
Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank



June 25, 2020

As Pride Month comes to an end, we want to remind everyone that the fight against social stigma doesn't end with the month.

It is apparent that the LGBTQ+ community are among the more vulnerable of people, being denied employment, housing, social services such as healthcare, and even access to certain food banks. According to Hunger Free America, the LGBTQ+ community face hunger and food-insecurity at higher rates than the entire population with as many as 27% (2.2 million people) having trouble affording enough food.

The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank will never refuse service based on race, gender, or sexual orientation. Our values - Respect, Support, Acceptance, and Partnership - mean that we believe in respect and equity; in nurturing, supporting, and being non-judgmental and accepting. We believe in living authentically and providing a safe space for everybody.

In the wise words of our Founder, Bob Gray, "if people say they need food, they need food. They shouldn't have to beg for it; it should be a right."

We hope you will join us in promoting the value of EVERY human being and working towards a hunger-free community for all. 

Some resources to expand your knowledge on this topic:

allconnect - LGBTQ+ youth resources

Hunger Free America article

PFLAG website

Human Rights Campaign

GLAAD website

Transgender Equality website