The formula for providing healthy, nutritious, staple food for hungry people in Pierce County is pretty simple. The more funds and food donated to Emergency Food Network, the more food the organization can provide. On October 25, attendees at EFN’s annual auction raised $325,000–enough funds to provide nearly 2 million meals to hungry families and individuals throughout the community.

“The concern for our neighbors in need that was shown was absolutely amazing.” said EFN Executive Director Helen McGovern-Pilant. “Every year when I see bid cards flying up, I get chills while adding in my head how many hungry people we’ll get to feed as a result. Every dollar provides six meals and all the people here tonight are so generously ensuring that we can fight hunger in Pierce County with funds for healthy, nutritious food.”

The evening began with a silent auction, and moved on to dinner, live auction, and presentations about hunger in Pierce County. Tim Solomonov, a student at UWT, told how when his family first immigrated from Ukraine in his childhood, they relied on food banks while finding their legs. He shared how he was “shocked” to see the amount of healthy food on his first tour of EFN. From there, a video showed the true scope of our county’s need, which has grown to 1.4 million food site visits in 2013, and 117,000 visits each month so far in 2014. EFN helps by distributing 15.5 million pounds of food annually. The auction total accounts for 15% of their operating budget.

Considering EFN’s ability to distribute $12 worth of food for every $1 donated, EFN’s powers of multiplication will have a huge impact on the food system. That is how $325,000 results in 2 million meals.

“Once each year, the McGavick Center is the place where our supporters help us make incredible strides towards ensuring that no person goes hungry,” added EFN Board President Therese Pasquier. “We hope everyone had fun, and we also hope everyone left knowing that they made a huge difference for the 63 food banks, meal sites, and shelters in our network. We’re grateful to all who attended tonight, and to our Presenting Sponsors: Waste Connections and Franciscan Health.

For more information, visit www.efoodnet.org and click on the events page or donate button, or call 253-584-1040, or email abundance@efoodnet.org.