Supporting Our Community: Food Access, Care & Resources

Posted on: October 31, 2025

Summary : Supporting Our Community: Food Access and Care.

Local Food Banks List
B.F. Day’s Community Food Pantry Effort
Additional Food Access Resources

Supporting Our Community: Food Access and Care

The USDA has announced that starting November 1, 2025, SNAP (food stamp) benefits will not be issued to the over 888,000 Washingtonians who rely on them. This may be a source of stress and hardship for some of our families, especially as we approach the winter holidays.

Local Food Banks List

Local Food Banks

Family Works

Family Works: Anyone is welcome to shop at the Wallingford Food Bank at 4318 Stone Way N 98103 during open hoursregardless of zip code or income. Hours are Tue: 12:00–2:00 p.m.; Thu: 3:00–6:00 p.m.; Fri: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- They will never ask for proof of identification or other forms of verification, but they do use Link2Feed, a database that tracks how many visits are made to the food bank. During your first visit, they’ll ask you for some basic contact information and provide you with a FamilyWorks membership card for your next visit. You can also register online before your first visit.
Another option is Groceries to Go – you can view items online, order a custom grocery box and choose your pick-up time. Create your account for online ordering.
- Emergency “No-Cook” Food Bags are designed for individuals without kitchen access contain ready-to-eat, non-perishable items like pop-top cans, requiring only basic tools like a can opener or hot water. They are meant for emergency use, not regular food distribution, and can be picked up on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 am–3 pm and Thursdays from 9 am–6 pm.
Community Connectors are available during food bank hours and can help connect you with other programs and resources.
You may receive one food distribution per week.

Ballard Food Bank

Ballard Food Bank is at 1400 NW Leary Way Seattle, WA 98107 and works the same as a grocery store, but free. You can shop and access other resources when they are open. Food Bank Hours are Mon: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.; Tues: 10 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.; Wed 10 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.; Thurs: 10 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.
People from all neighborhoods are welcome, you’ll register at the front desk and fill out an intake form first, and it’s helpful (but not required) if you have an ID/piece of mail. Information is for demographic purposes only, and is not shared or used in any other way.
Lines can be long, you can sign up to reserve a shopping time.
You may shop once per week.

University District Food Bank

Visit at 5017 Roosevelt Way NE any day they are open to receive food. You can show up and join the waitlist, join the waitlist online, or schedule an appointment which is recommended, because wait times can vary.
Look for staff in front of the food bank to help guide your way.
No documentation needed. No questions asked. Your info is never shared.
Food is free for everyone.
To-go food boxes are available or wait to grocery shop, the choice is yours.
You may visit once a week.

Greenwood Food Bank

It’s at 9501 Greenwood Ave N, and is open 4:00 PM – 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday and 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Another resource for finding Food Banks is the online Seattle Food Committee site.

B.F. Day’s Community Food Pantry Effort

To help families who may need support, our office has set up a mobile food donation cart — a simple “take what you need, give what you can” system.

Here’s how it will work:

The cart will be located in front of the office and, weather permitting, may be moved outdoors to increase access.
Families are welcome to take food home anytime and students at the end of each school day. Please remind students that the cart is not open during school hours.
If a family prefers a more private option, they can reach out directly to the school counselor Tobi at tlnussbaum@seattleschools.org, and she will gladly prepare a small bag discreetly.

How you can help

Donate non-perishable food items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, or shelf-stable snacks.
Monetary donations are also welcome! Please reach out to Tobi Nussbaum; tlnussbaum@seatttleschools.org or PTSA Cathy Braasch for more info at cathy.braasch@gmail.com.
Drop Off at the pantry cart in front of the office anytime during the school day or when the office is staffed, generally 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. You can always call ahead to 206-252-6010.
If you have community connections or local partners who might like to contribute, please reach out to Tobi Nussbaum at tlnussbaum@seattleschools.org or call 206-252-6010.
Spread the word — even small acts of generosity can make a big difference.

It truly takes a village, and we are so grateful for the kindness and compassion our community shows every day.

If there is anything our community can do to make this food pantry work better for you — different items, times, or anything else — please let us know.

Thank you, teachers, staff, our parent community and everyone that makes B.F. Day so special!

Additional Food Access Resources

If your family or someone you know is facing food insecurity, the following programs and resources are available across Washington State.

Find Local Food Assistance

Emergency Food Network
Hunger Free Washington
Food Lifeline Food Map
Little Free Pantries
FamilyWorks
Call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org for personalized local support
SODO Community Market: 1915 4th Ave S (closed Tuesdays)
Local churches and community centers often host food drives or free meal programs.

Plan Ahead

Take inventory of your current food and begin meal planning early.
Use any remaining October SNAP benefits to purchase shelf-stable, bulk, and affordable foods.
Unused SNAP benefits roll over and only expire after 274 days of EBT card inactivity.

Programs That Stretch Your SNAP Dollars: Unused benefits from these programs can still be redeemed during November.

Fruit & Vegetable Prescription Program (FV Rx): Eligible patients can receive $250–$500 in vouchers redeemable for fruits and vegetables at Safeway stores. Learn more.

SNAP Produce Match: Spend $10 on fruits and vegetables with your EBT card at participating grocery stores and receive a $5 produce coupon. Learn more.

SNAP Market Match: At participating farmers markets or farm stands, receive up to $25 or more per day in Market Match dollars for fresh produce. Learn more.

As of October 31, 2025

Principal Message PTSA

Benjamin Franklin Day Elementary