Coming January 28: Who Goes to Bed Hungry in Whatcom County?
12:00 p.m., January 28, at the Bellingham Yacht Club
2625 S Harbor Loop Dr.
Please purchase tickets in advance by Sunday, Jan. 25, at 6:00pm at https://bhamcityclub.wildapricot.org/event-6493107/Registration
The temporary interruption of the SNAP program brought into focus that for many folks in our community the cupboards were bare without the help of food banks, whose resources were already strained. Why in the richest country of the world do families struggle to put food on the table? Who are these populations and what are we doing to help them?
The people on our panel serve families, seniors and children who are food insecure and will discuss this work from several perspectives.
Speakers:
• Stephanie Sisson, Outreach Coordinator, Bellingham Food Bank
• Chris Orr, Executive Director, Council on Aging
• Lindsey Ahrens, Director of Food Operations, and Isabel Meaker, Executive Director, Family Engagement, Bellingham School District
Biographies:
Whatcom Council on Aging Executive Director, Chris Orr, has served seniors in Whatcom County since April 2019. He is inspired by older adults who stay active and engaged and is passionate about the impact of nutrition and connection on health and wellness. A native of Anacortes and a graduate of the University of Washington, Chris and his family spent 26 years in Charlotte, North Carolina before returning home to the Pacific Northwest. Chris’ whole career has been in non-profit leadership and development, including 19 years with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, where he served as Executive Director of multiple branches. He is married with two adult children and enjoys many hobbies and activities, including playing the fiddle, coaching youth soccer, and agate hunting.
As the Communications and Outreach Coordinator at Bellingham Food Bank, Stephanie Sisson is passionate about building greater food security and economic resiliency in Whatcom County. She has lived experience with hunger in both urban and rural economies with a nuanced understanding of each. Her work in food banks started at the age of 13 and was soon accompanied by work in the restaurant industry, communications research, community advocacy, and sales administration. She is a graduate of Western Washington University and hailed from many places including Page AZ, Federal Way WA, and Orting WA before she found a home here in Bellingham. You may find her drumming, climbing, and kayaking with friends or walking in the rain with a cup of strong coffee.
* Tickets are nonrefundable.
Founded in 1993, the Bellingham City Club is a non-partisan civic organization with over 350 members that fosters dialogue and debate on important issues facing our community. Meetings are scheduled for the fourth Wednesday of each month (except November and December) from 12 noon to 1:30 pm.
Contact us to be added to our email list.
Event Date: January 28, 2026
Event Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm
Event Location: Bellingham Yacht Club – 2625 S Harbor Loop Dr