Despite the perception of universal affluence on Mercer Island, food insecurity still exists here. The City’s Department of Youth and Family Services (YFS) continues to allocate significant resources to help under-resourced individuals and families access adequate nutrition -- and the demand is not receding.

Although an established spirit of giving and long history of “Islanders taking care of Islanders” exists in the community, there are still neighbors who struggle to put food on the table. YFS receives requests for help from seniors for whom inflation has taken too big a bite out of their fixed income, new parents who are unexpectedly unemployed, and people unable to work due to injury or disability.

YFS efforts to support food security include direct food assistance that has evolved to meet the demand. Before COVID, YFS operated a community food pantry out of our Luther Burbank offices. Then, when the pandemic increased need and restricted direct food distribution (Covid safety protocols), food cards were distributed with significant financial support from both the City’s Covid relief funds and a significant increase in contributions from Islanders donating to the MIYFS Foundation.

As we recovered from the pandemic, food insecurity decreased but remained higher than pre-pandemic levels. To meet current demand, YFS contracts with Bellevue’s Hopelink to bring the Hopelink Mobile Market (truck) to the Island to again provide fresh, nutritious food items to those in need. The Hopelink Mobile Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, a rotating selection of proteins, and an assortment of canned and shelf-stable foods.

In addition to offering fresh food items, YFS offers a portfolio of other support services designed to help individuals and families meet basic needs: rent assistance, senior services, employment support, and case management that includes help finding both local and regional resources. By supporting basic needs, kids can thrive, seniors can age in place, and families can avoid crises like homelessness or extended unemployment.

YFS services are available to all Island residents and can be accessed by calling the YFS confidential intake voicemail line at (206) 275-7657.