Across Washington State and the nation, hunger is deepening. Food banks are overwhelmed, families are struggling, and the crisis is expanding faster than most realize. For Rotarians, this is a call not just to care—but to act together.
The Crisis in Washington State
Washington’s food banks are facing one of their toughest years in decades. Inflation, rising rent, and federal benefit cuts have driven a surge in demand.
According to state officials, emergency food programs are now serving hundreds of thousands more families than before the pandemic.
Governor Bob Ferguson recently allocated $2.2 million per week in emergency support to stabilize food banks ahead of federal SNAP reductions.
Roughly 170,000 residents could lose access to federal food-stamp benefits this year.
Local food banks report that working families and seniors are the fastest-growing group of clients.
These aren’t statistics—they’re our neighbors, classmates, and coworkers. Rotary clubs have always been at the heart of local service, but today’s hunger crisis requires us to come together in a visible, united way.
A National Emergency
Across the United States, hunger remains one of the most urgent humanitarian issues of our time.
Nearly 1 in 5 children experiences hunger each year, according to No Kid Hungry. Teachers nationwide say three out of four students arrive at school hungry, and nearly 80% identify food insecurity as a major issue in their communities.
Meanwhile, federal tracking of hunger data has been scaled back, leaving nonprofits and communities to fill in the gaps.
Hunger knows no boundaries—it affects families in every county, city, and neighborhood.
Rotary’s Moment to Unite: Hunger Strike 2025
Hunger Strike 2025 gives every Rotary club a powerful, easy way to take action—together.
From October 1 to November 20, Rotarians across Washington and beyond will join in a friendly fundraising competition, culminating in a LIVE online Trivia Game Show that celebrates teamwork, service, and impact.
Funds raised will support the fight against hunger on multiple levels:
50% of net funds stay local, empowering clubs to support their own chosen hunger-relief programs.
The other 50% benefits Harvest Against Hunger and No Kid Hungry, organizations working to strengthen food access statewide and nationwide.
Each participant gets a personal fundraising page through the Our Mayberry platform, making it simple to invite friends, family, and supporters to donate or pledge per trivia point earned during the game.
Building a Movement Beyond Rotary
This year, Rotary’s goal is not only to have every member involved—but to invite entire communities to join us.
Rotarians are encouraged to reach out and inspire:
Community members who care about making a local impact.
Businesses that want to give back and strengthen their reputation for social responsibility.
Organizations, schools, and civic groups that want to rally together under one cause.
Each can form their own team, join the fun, and compete for prizes—while helping ensure that no family in our community goes hungry.
Join the Fight. Join the Fun. Join the Hunger Strike.
This year, let’s turn compassion into action and competition with purpose.
Find your club or community at HungerStrike.events/wa, form or join a team, and invite others to do the same. Together, we’ll raise awareness, funds, and hope for children, families, and seniors in need.
Rotary has always been at its best when it leads by example. Hunger Strike 2025 is our chance to unite every club, every member, and every community in one common goal: to end hunger—locally and beyond.
Let’s make this the year Rotary proves that when we unite, hunger doesn’t stand a chance.
“Service Above Self” starts with one action.
Join Hunger Strike 2025 — and help feed hope, one meal at a time.
🥣 How to Participate in Hunger Strike 2025
1️⃣ Form or Join a Team
Find your club or community at HungerStrike.events/wa and click Form or Join a Team. Every participant gets a personal fundraising page.
2️⃣ Invite Others to Join
Encourage friends, family, coworkers, businesses, and local organizations to form their own teams or support yours. The more teams, the greater the impact.
3️⃣ Raise Funds or Pledges
Supporters can make direct donations or pledge a dollar amount for every point you earn during the Trivia Game.
4️⃣ Play the Trivia Game LIVE
Join the online Hunger Strike Trivia Challenge on November 20, 2025, from 6–8 PM. Play from your phone or computer while watching the live show on YouTube or at participating venues.
5️⃣ Celebrate and Share the Impact
Every dollar raised helps fight hunger through Harvest Against Hunger, No Kid Hungry, and your club’s chosen local program.
📲 Join Now: HungerStrike.events/wa
💛 #HungerStrike2025 | #ServiceAboveSelf | #RotaryFightsHunger
