KOMO News is making good on a promise for the third year in a row by hosting a food drive in memory of Bothell’s Brenden Foster from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at two Fred Meyer locations — 21045 Bothell Everett Highway in Bothell and 6100 Eastlake Sammamish Pkwy S.E. in Issaquah – to benefit Food Lifeline.

In 2008, Brenden, age 11, used his last days fighting leukemia to help feed hungry people.

Earlier this year, Food Lifeline and Feeding America released the Hunger in America 2010 study and the results for Western Washington show that hunger can affect anyone. The need for food has risen dramatically over the past year and continues to grow. The need in Western Washington has increased as follows:

• 42 percent of individuals visiting emergency food programs reported they have to choose between paying their rent or mortgage and food.

• 38 percent of households surveyed reported having one or more adults working, and of those who have worked or are working, 19 percent have or have had managerial or professional jobs.

• Out of the adults at agencies who pick up food, 22 percent are uninsured, and 53 percent had unpaid medical or hospital bills.

• 54 percent of households are currently receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. These benefits usually only last 2.4 weeks.