For the Reporter

Bankers at more than 500 local branches from Everett to Olympia will be working together to collect one million meals for Northwest Harvest and local food banks, starting today and running through March 31.

This time of year typically brings a drop in donations and dwindling staples on the shelves, leaving many regional food banks faced with the growing challenge in meeting critical hunger needs.

Aiming to change this trend, the Washington Bankers Association and its members will be working to turn this month into a Million Meal March and make an important difference for thousands of hungry people in the community.

“This food drive will make a real difference for area food banks and the thousands of families they serve,” said Jim Pishue, president and CEO of the WBA. “Many of our member banks and bankers are already active in the fight against hunger and we want to build on their efforts with this coordinated, industry-wide program.”

During the three-week Million Meal March, WBA member banks will be collecting donations of cash and/or non-perishable food items. Participating banks include: Anchor Bank; Bank of America; Banner Bank; Columbia Bank; The Commencement Bank of Washington; First Savings Bank Northwest; First Sound Bank; Heritage Bank; Home Street Bank; JP Morgan-Chase; Olympia Federal Savings; Pacific Crest Savings Bank; Puget Sound Bank; Seattle Bank; Sound Community Bank; Umpqua Bank; Union Bank, U.S. Bank; Washington Federal; and Wells Fargo.

A full list of all participating branches from these banks can be found at www.BankersCare.com.

Because Northwest Harvest works with local food banks throughout the region, contributions will directly support the community in which they are collected. Bank customers and the public are encouraged to join participating bankers in helping reduce hunger.

The WBA also has partnered with Sinclair Broadcasting on awareness efforts, which will include a special event at Westlake Center later this month where the public will have additional opportunities to participate in the campaign.

“Our annual Spring Food Drive is just one example of how Washington’s bankers contribute day in and day out to make our local communities better places to live and work,” notes Pishue.

To learn more about the campaign, including donation drop locations and how to donate electronically, please visit www.BankersCare.com.