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West Seattle Food Bank 

Description

The West Seattle Food Bank has been serving this community since 1981 when local volunteers started distributing food to families in need. In 1989 the agency was incorporated and in 1999 changed its name to the West Seattle Food Bank. The agency works to eliminate the root causes of hunger by partnering with a range of community members. In addition to providing quality food, we invite other agencies to provide services and information to our clients to improve their access to the Basic Food Program, local health clinics, other basic social services, employment opportunities and more.

Mission Statement

The West Seattle Food Bank is committed to providing food security and community connections to our neighbors in need.
We envision a strong and connected community in which all people have access to safe and nutritious food and the essential necessities fo living.

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West Seattle Food Bank
3419 SW Morgan St 
Seattle 
WA
98126-3133 
(206) 932-9023 

Ms. Fran Yeatts 
Executive Director 

Programs

West Seattle Food Bank Programs

The West Seattle Food Bank (WSFB) provides food and other supplies to low-income residents of the West Seattle community. WSFB also delivers food to approximately 150 homebound elderly and disabled each week, and distributes at the local senior center. In addition to food, the agency distributes baby supplies, pet food, hygiene and household supplies and has a book exchange and provides resource information for other services in the area. The agency serves a very diverse population and approximately 36% of the individuals served are children 18 and younger and 16% are seniors 55 years of age or older.

The Food Bank also has a baby corner with baby food, formula, diapers and other basics. WSFB collaborates with another agency to provide other baby items such as clothes, car seats, and toys. In addition, the agency collaborates with many other agencies to provide outreach and services on site.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

In 2012 WSFB provided food to families in need 39,000 times. This is a 7% increase in the past year and a 50% increase  in the past three years.  Also in 2012 the WSFB distributed over 1.3 million pounds of food and spent $180,000 on food purchases to help those in our community.   In addition we have increased the quantity of baby items and pet food distributed. 

Community support has allowed us to meet the increasing demand for our services. Financial donations not only help with general operating costs and food purchases, we have also increased the quality of food by purchasing more meat, dairy and produce in addition to dry and canned products.

Evaluation


The West Seattle Food works to eliminate the root causes of hunger by partnering with a range of community members and organizations. In addition to providing quality food, other agencies provide services and information to clients onsite, improving access to the Basic Food Program, local health clinics, other basic social services, employment opportunities and more.

Accessibility and Cultural Competency
The agency serves a very diverse population and approximately 36% of the individuals served are children 18 and younger and 16% are seniors 55 years of age or older. The Food Bank also has a baby corner with baby food, formula, diapers and other basics. Food Bank volunteers represent a variety of cultural and language backgrounds, and interpreters are hired as needed for focus groups aimed at gathering organizational feedback.

Collaboration
WSFB partners with Westside Baby to provide baby items such as clothes, car seats, and toys. In addition, the agency collaborates with many other agencies, such as Within Reach, to provide outreach and services on site. WSFB staff serve on the Highpoint Providers committee, and houses the offices of West Seattle Helpline and a Wellspring Family Services satellite office. There is a Delridge Neighborhood Development Association (DNDA) housing development onsite as well.

Proven Success
WSFB has come a long way from being known by staff as the “snack bank”, serving mostly processed, salty and sweet foods, to focusing heavily on fresh and nutritious foods. Staff hold to the value that fresh produce is an equalizer, and meets both dietary and cultural needs. WSFB works with the Farmer’s Market Alliance and P-Patch programs to offer clients vouchers the West Seattle Farmer’s Market as well as the Highpoint Market Farm Stand.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
3/10/2013 $10,000.00provide general operating support.
3/10/2011 $10,000.00support general operating expenses.
12/10/2008 $25,000.00support general operating expenses.
9/18/2003 $75,000.00support the Rising to the Challenge Capital Campaign in partnership with the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association.

Financials

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