University District Food Bank

Every week about 1300 families receive groceries from the University District Food Bank. Our clients include working adults, infants, children, underemployed, unemployed, seniors, disabled people, and the homeless. With the help of over 150 volunteers, giving over 250 hours a week, we distribute about 3 million pounds of food to families in Northeast Seattle.

History:

On May 4 th 1983, University District Food Bank opened its doors for the first time. A donated home refrigerator provided enough storage space for the perishable items we had on-hand. Our first year’s budget allowed $100 per month to purchase food to supplement what was donated. We served approximately 200 bags of groceries per week. By 1984, this number doubled, and in 1986, we were the 5 th busiest food bank in Seattle. Currently, we are the 3 rd or 4 th busiest food bank in the city from the perspective of total household visits each month.