Kirkland Nourishing Network is trying to bring to light some gaps in food security right here in our community. We’ve made it pretty simple for you to be part of the solution to fill gaps identified by teachers and school counselors. If you could volunteer to shop for a box of food (menu provided) and drop off the box at a central site on Wednesday, Dec. 16, that evening the box will be in the home of a family that really needs it. Each box is under $50 with a standard menu of items.

Kirkland has stepped up to fill the need every school break during the past four years. The key thing you need to realize is that you can make a real difference in the lives of Kirkland neighbors. We’ve expanded this year to all Kirkland elementary schools with identified need. That means we need donors for over 200 boxes of food – helping over 150 families. Some neighbors struggle more than we appreciate; but, together, we can help to fill the need.

Everything you need to know is on the sign-up links at http://nourishingnetworks.net/kirkland-food-boxes. Just select a convenient drop-off location (north or south). Once on the sign-up page, click on a “Sign Up” box (or two) and then click on “Submit and Sign Up.” The grocery list link is above the sign-up list.

You don’t have to withhold your commitment if you think things might possibly change. The commitment is revocable; if something unanticipated arises, then you can offer the box you signed up for to someone else. Just let us know as far ahead of time as possible. If you want to donate but will be away, so you can’t shop for fresh food, send an email to toby@tobynixon.com, and we will work to find volunteers with the Eastside Timebank or other local volunteers to do the shopping and drop-off.

A great thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Kirkland for providing funds, this year, to buy protein to be added to the boxes.

Thanks to all of you for considering to help your neighbors in need.

Toby Nixon, Kirkland