Gov. Gregoire encourages people to donate food

For Immediate Release: June 21, 2008

Gregoire participates in 18th Annual Walk for Rice

SEATTLE � Gov. Chris Gregoire today helped kick off the �Rice Friends Unite to Fight Against Hunger 18th Annual Walk for Rice� event sponsored by the Asian Counseling and Referral Service Food Bank in Seattle.

More than 90 percent of the proceeds from �Walk for Rice� go directly to purchasing staples of Asian Pacific American diets, such as rice, ramen, tofu, fish and produce. The food bank distributes more than 4,800 bags of food each month, including 13,000 pounds of rice.

Gregoire was on hand to help raise awareness and encourage donations. The food bank supplies culturally appropriate food to 5,000 low-income Asian Pacific American households in King County every month.

�Soaring gas and food prices are making it difficult for our communities and families,� Gregoire said. �It hasn�t been easy for the food bank or for households they serve to make ends meet. I encourage everyone to participate in this year�s drive and make a difference for others in need.�

Rice prices have increased nearly 14 percent in three months. The ACRS Food Bank is the third busiest such facility in King County, and is the only provider in the state that regularly distributes foods that meet Asian Pacific American dietary needs.

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