Okanogan community partners launch task force amid rising food insecurity

OKANOGAN — In light of the recent interruption in SNAP benefits and other economic factors, Okanogan County Community Action (OCCAC) has formed a Winter Food Security Task Force to address a countywide food shortage.

“Our local pantries already were working over capacity before the government shut down,” said Stasia Hazelwood, Food and Nutrition Manager at Community Action. “Starting the Winter Food Security Task Force will allow the community to continue the momentum started for food drives and cash donations to local pantries, which are already used by 30 percent of our residents.”

Since the pandemic, reliance on food pantries has increased while food availability has decreased, according to OCCAC. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, the community action council saw a 25 percent increase in food pantry use.

The Winter Food Security Task Force will be co-facilitated by Hazelwood and Maria Hines, founder and director of local nonprofit Blue-Sky Minds, which leads the recently formed Okanogan Regional Food Council.

“The task force aims to share information about food-related resources and collaborate to help strengthen our community’s food security,” said Hines.

The task force will meet four times this winter: Dec. 2, Dec. 22, Jan. 6, and Jan. 20. The meetings are scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon at the Community Action building, located at 424 S 2nd Avenue in downtown Okanogan. Anyone interested is invited to attend, either in-person or virtually. Details, meeting links, and contact information for Hazelwood and Hines can be found at www.occac.com/Pantries.

OCCAC is a nonprofit organization that aims to uplift communities from poverty by providing resources and assistance through various avenues, including housing, education, heating and energy conservation, and food distribution. It supports nine food pantries across the region.

Established in 2022, Blue Sky Minds supports the growth of equitable, sustainable, and economically thriving food systems in the Okanogan region, including Okanogan County and the Colville Reservation. It cultivates collaborations in local community food systems through facilitating convenings, sharing resources, and outreach.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media