When faced with the reality that 1 in 5 children in Washington State lived in a home where it was a struggle to put food on the table daily, the people of Northwest Harvest decided to create the change they wanted to see in their community. Instead of accepting that 20% of Washington children faced hunger and malnutrition on a daily basis, the group based in the Pacific Northwest created an action group that focused on food security within the state and created educational opportunities, open conversations, and governmental advocacy in order to create an organization that helped put food on tables as well as dignity back into the lives of those who are suffering.

More than just a food bank, Northwest Harvest focuses on advocacy for individuals living at or below the poverty line, educational opportunities for those who are struggling, as well as educational opportunities for those who wish to help those less fortunate. Additionally, Northwest Harvest has created several programs to help support those who are struggling with food security, such as a program that feeds school children during vacation. Children living in homes below the poverty line are usually provided free meals during the school year, however, when school is not in session, those meals disappear. Northwest Harvest provides meals to those children during non-school days.

The Northwest Harvest organization has partnered with many other food banks in Washington State, and does have its own food bank located in Seattle. Between its main food bank and the hundreds of partnering organizations, Northwest Harvest has improved, changed, and saved the lives of thousands of families, and created health and opportunity for the most vulnerable of its citizens. The weather might be dreary, but the lives of thousands of people have been made bright because of the Northwest Harvest organization.