Supporting Our Community: Food Access and Care

Donate To Provide Thanksgiving Meal For B.F. Day Families

This Thanksgiving season, our school is organizing a community effort to provide meal boxes for B.F. Day families. This year, the need for supplemental meal support has increased. In the past, the Lions Club had generously supplied Thanksgiving meals for our community, but this year, they are only able to assist a few families. We hope to come together to meet the remaining need. 

Sign up here to donate listed ingredients, money for procuring ingredients, and/or volunteer to assist with sorting groceries into boxes for each family’s Thanksgiving meal. Perishable items should be delivered to the school on Mon, Nov. 24 between 8:00–10:00 a.m. and nonperishable items may be dropped off in the school office anytime during school hours before Mon, Nov. 24 or on Mon, Nov. 24 between 8:00–10:00 a.m.

Please reach out to Ms. Tobi with any questions tlnussbaum@seattleschools.org.

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Supporting Our Community

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. Our community is strong and caring, and has shown that when we band together we can support one another through challenging times. This is that moment! As a reminder, all students have access to breakfast and lunch at their school. Most children who receive SNAP benefits are eligible to receive free meals at school. If you are unsure if you qualify for free and reduced meals, please complete the school meal application or visit the district website for more information.

Please visit the SPS website to find important and timely information, local supports, and ways for families to connect with the help they need. We will keep you updated about any additional resources that become available for students and families.

Local Food Banks Drop Down List

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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!

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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 November 11, 2025