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When the federal government shuts down, countless government-funded programs lose funding or face severe delays. This includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps nearly 40 million people across the country put food on the table each month. Since the government shut down for 43 days, from October 1, 2025, to November 11th, 2025, SNAP resorted to emergency funds. These funds inevitably ran dry on November 1st, 2025, leaving tens of millions of Americans without aid for 11 days.
While this crisis may seem at a national level, according to Bellevue Lifespring, a food-focused nonprofit, it affected nearly 5,012 students in the Bellevue School District, including 296 at Bellevue High School. This statistic highlights the severity of the local situation. And while the shutdown has concluded, the ongoing problem of food insecurity remains. To overcome this challenging issue, our community needs to continuously support our local institutions in maintaining well-stocked food pantries and securing sufficient funding.
One of the best ways to directly help students at Bellevue High School is to donate non-perishable items to the Family Connection Center. The Family Connection Center is located adjacent to the primary office on Bellevue’s campus. They provide snacks to students facing food insecurity before and after school, as well as during passing periods. While they do not accept all clothing, food, and resource donations, by contacting The Family Connection Center’s staff, Ms. Gina Kinan (kinang@bsd405.org) and Supriya Unnikrishnan (unnikrishnans@bsd405.org) via email, you can check if your donation is wanted.
Beyond our campus, several local organizations offer assistance to families facing food insecurity. Hopelink Food Bank, located at 148th Avenue NE, offers grocery-like markets for people facing nutritional challeges, providing essential home necessities. By holding food drives, dropping off food at their local food bank, or making quick and easy monetary donations, families can immediately access the resources they need.
In addition to HopeLinks' efforts, Jubilee REACH has become another cornerstone in Bellevue's fight against food Insecurity. Jubilee is a nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of services to underprivileged families. They host daily markets, child care opportunities, language teaching classes, and much more. It’s a more “type of swiss army knife” organization focused on helping families in need in as many ways as possible. By contacting them through their website, you can set up a volunteering opportunity at their center or make a material or monetary donation.
Jubilee's services rely heavily on community support, and the youth of Bellevue groups play a significant role. Members of Bellevue’s National League of Young Men (NLYM), a club of high school boys focused on community philanthropy, often volunteer with Jubilee REACH. Sophomore Cole Pellegrini, an active member of the club, recently helped at one of their fall events and found the experience empowering.
“You really get a sense of community when you come out and help your neighbors in need, ” Pelegrini said. “This program really is amazing.”
Whether through donating, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, everyone can help address food insecurity. By supporting Bellvue's own food pantry or assisting organizations like Hopelink and Jubilee Reach, you can make a lasting difference in our community. Small acts of service today can create lasting change in our community tomorrow. You can help ensure no Bellevue family faces hunger alone. #BellevueStrong
