Boeing employees wrap their arms around Washington with food and essentials

Each Spring, those of us in the Puget Sound area get a welcome dose of cheer as brightly-colored tulips and daffodils spring from the ground. That’s around the same time Boeing teammates in Washington are serving up their own brand of cheer through the annual Food & Essentials drive.

During the March Food & Essentials Drive, Boeing teammates, with the help of the company gift match, raised $166,988 to help individuals, families and seniors who depend on local food banks.

Those funds will go to three area food distribution nonprofits -- Northwest Harvest, Emergency Food Network and Food Lifeline. This year’s event raised enough money to provide more than 818,000 meals for people in need.

“EFN is so fortunate to have our partnership with Boeing! Once again, the Food & Essentials Drive just happens to be occurring when our community truly needs the support,” said Elizabeth Howe, Development Director for Emergency Food Network. “We are grateful for the generosity Boeing employees show during these particularly hard times.”

A special shout out goes to our teammates in Moses Lake who raised more than $7,000 this year – that’s a 24% increase from last year!

“Boeing employees’ compassion and ongoing support year after year through the Food & Essentials Drive is a testament to the shared value each holds to support the communities where they work, live and play. Thank you!” said Leeann Huntington, Corporate Relations Officer for Food Lifeline.

In addition to the Food & Essentials drive, Boeing employees also showed up in force this month to help Volunteers of America stamp out hunger during their annual drive-through food pantry event. With the help of the Boeing Structures electrical engineering team, more than 64,000 pounds of pre-packaged food was distributed to 296 cars which represent 427 households and 1,888 people.

Food wasn’t the only focus of this year’s event. Given the critical need for blood across the country and here at home, the drive also included an opportunity to donate blood. In all, 65 employees rolled up their sleeves to help boost the local blood supply!

“I’m so proud and appreciative of the generosity Boeing employees showed during this year’s drive,” said Leah Hausman, Boeing Global Engagement Community Investor and Food & Essentials Drive leader. “With so much going on in the world, it’s comforting to be reminded of all of the care and support generated right here by our amazing Washington team.”

By: Jane McCarthy