Kitsap Credit Union (KCU) is one of this year’s partners supporting Home Team Harvest, Washington state’s largest annual food drive. Home Team Harvest has a 2024 goal of raising 23 million meals for people across Washington. “Kitsap Credit Union and our KCUCares Foundation is really committed to making sure that we’re there to help our neighbors, and this is a time of need right now,” said Shawn Gilfedder, CEO & president of Kitsap Credit Union. It is a challenging time for many food banks as operating costs increase and more families are facing hunger. In fact, one in 12 Washington households deal with food insecurity. “It’s really important that we find ways to help fund those programs because it’s not just food anymore,” Gilfedder said. “The cost of groceries and household goods in some respects is up over 60 percent.” The KCU team has been contributing to the fight against hunger for almost 90 years. Members and non-members of the credit union can walk into any of its branches to make a donation to Home Team Harvest. Locations have boxes for non-perishable food items, and the QR code to make a monetary donation is displayed. All donations will go to Northwest Harvest, the state’s largest hunger relief organization with a network of 400 food banks, meal programs and schools across the state. “If you’ve never had an opportunity to participate with a food bank, I would encourage the public to come out and donate their time,” Gilfedder said. “It really gives you perspective as to what’s happening in the community.” People are in great need of other services too, including dental and mental health care and clothing. Gilfedder says monetary donations go a long way in helping provide support to people through the holidays and beyond. “We feel together, it’s possible,” he said. It’s not too late to donate to Home Team Harvest. Visit the website to give a monetary donation, or stop by Kitsap Credit Union locations with your non-perishable goods through December 31. Sponsored by Kitsap Credit Union Segment Producer Rebecca Perry. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.