Having a healthy eating plan can make significant impacts on your health, but it isn't always easy to access foods recommended to be included like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein. Whether it is living in a food desert, where you have no fresh food options nearby, or it is from struggling to afford these options, it can be tough to make it work. We've rounded up some resources for accessing free and low-cost nutritionally dense food choices.
You can get fresh, locally sourced food items completely for free without any application from Plant Based Food Share. Plant-based food boxes are available free of charge for pick-up on Sundays & Mondays at Pacific Coast Harvest Building (676 S Orcas St, Seattle, WA 98108). You must sign up for a box each week to select what type and pick-up time, otherwise it's super easy and free to participate.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, called Basic Food in Washington, helps low-income people make ends meet by providing monthly benefits to buy food. If you qualify for SMASH you likely qualify for some level of assistance for food benefits. These benefits can also be used at local farmers markets!
Fresh Bucks helps Seattle residents on a tight budget afford fruits and vegetables. Eligible and enrolled participants receive monthly Fresh Bucks vouchers that can be used like cash to buy fruits and vegetables at any participating Fresh Bucks retailer including many farmers markets!
Ballard Food Bank provides food assistance and other essential resources to the Ballard Community.
U-District Food Bank provides food assistance and other essential resources to the University District Community.
Rainier Valley Food Bank provides food assistance and other essential resources to the South Seattle Community.
White Center Food Bank provides food assistance and other essential resources to the White Center Community.