It seems researchers are baffled by the findings of a national report ranking Washington State 2nd in the nation for hunger even though the state boasts a lower than average poverty rate. (Associated Press, 8-16-02)

But food bank workers register little surprise at the report, saying, “the combination of rural isolation and high cost of living is fueling the problem.” Linda Nageotte, president and CEO of Food Lifeline, said, “food becomes an optional item as the cost of living speeds past wages.”

According to the study, “Many Washington counties haven’t found ways to replace the logging, mining or fishing that once supplied living-wage jobs.” These “living-wage jobs” were destroyed by excessive environmental regulations such as the Growth Management Act (GMA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA).

For years the Building Industry Association of Washington has warned state legislatures of the unintended consequences and costs of excessive regulations. As recently as June 2002, the group noted that median household income in Washington State lags woefully behind rising median home prices.

As a result, more people are forced to choose between food or shelter.