City of Mercer Island Receives $30,000 Donation from MIYFS Foundation to Support Food Security

The City of Mercer Island has received a generous, one-time donation of $30,000 from the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) Foundation to bolster food security efforts and mitigate the impact of recent federal reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The donation will directly support more than 200 Mercer Island households facing elevated food insecurity. The City’s Department of Youth and Family Services (YFS) will use the funds to purchase grocery cards from local stores, integrating this resource into its Emergency Assistance program.

“This $30,000 donation is a timely and absolutely critical injection of support for our community,” said City Manager Jessi Bon. “The MIYFS Foundation consistently demonstrates how strong, local partnerships are essential to protecting our most vulnerable residents. These funds allow us to quickly stabilize food access for families impacted by federal policy changes, underscoring our commitment to the well-being of all Mercer Island residents.”

Supplemental food cards will be distributed to qualified Mercer Island households every other Wednesday for up to four months. Households with one resident will receive a $50 food card; all other households will receive a $100 food card. A pool of supplemental cards will be available to YFS direct services staff for emergent household needs.

“We immediately identified the federal SNAP reductions as a looming threat to the stability of many local households, and this substantial donation directly bridges that gap,” said Derek Franklin, YFS administrator. “It means we can immediately begin distributing grocery cards bi-weekly, ensuring our neighbors do not need to choose between food and other necessities during this challenging period. We are profoundly grateful to the Foundation for empowering us to respond with speed and meaningful impact.”

For Mercer Islanders who would like to help, YFS is also accepting donations of gift cards in $25 increments valid at grocery stores with Island locations (QFC and Metropolitan Market), which will be provided directly to Island residents experiencing food insecurity.  

Contact Marina Gonzales, YFS Programs Coordinator, via email or (206) 275-7743, with questions or to coordinate a tax-deductible donation of food cards to YFS.