Ballard Food Bank Programs
Ballard Food Bank offers several programs to assist our neighbors in need. Food distribution is our core program; additionally we have a referral services program and a mail box service.
In 2012, Ballard Food Bank distributed an unprecedented 1.5 million pounds of food to 6,076 individuals. Over the course of the year we had 61,343 shopping visits. Our home delivery portion of the food bank program serves between 80 and 90 home bound individuals in the Ballard, Queen Anne and Magnolia neighborhoods. One of our strategies to continue providing nutritious food involves recovering groceries from stores in our catchment area. Last year we redistributed over 1,000,000 pounds of food that would have otherwise gone into the waste stream.
The Referral Services Program is an opportunity for us to: help our neighbors in need with rental eviction & utilities shut off assistance; issue vouchers for Washington State ID cards; and distribute costly hygiene items. The mail box program is used by up to 500 individuals that have a need for a temporary address – essential when looking for employment and housing, and to have access to care providers.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Ballard Food Bank moved to a new home in August of 2010! This move was the culmination of years of planning and a vision to offer our clients a grocery store model for their shopping. We are happy to report that the new shopping model is a huge success. Both clients and volunteers report that we are not only able to display food better; but that clients are able to choose the foods that are appropriate for their families. The new site offers storage, parking, bus service and a waiting room. The building was truly a gift from the community with 2/3 of the cost supported by in-kind labor and materials. From bright cheery colors to artwork we have a warm and welcoming home to share with the entire community.
Our current needs are around support for operational expenses along with shelf stable food items.