Frequently Asked Questions
How many people use the Food Bank?
In 2022, the Vashon Food Bank provided grocery services to 850 island households composed of 1729 individuals and had an average of 227 households served per week. This comes out to 13,521 household services, or 28,640 individual services. Additionally, we provided an average of 37,255 lbs of food per month. Over the summer, our summer meals program, Picnics In The Parks, served 8,275 free meals to 861 adults and children.
How do you qualify for the Food bank?
Anyone who can benefit from free, nutritious food for themselves or their family is welcome to use the Food Bank. There is no income threshold and we do not ask for proof of address or ID. We believe that access to nutrition is not a privilege but, rather, a basic human right.
What are the Food Bank’s services?
Weekly, full grocery services through in-person shopping, order and pickup, or home delivery
Free summer meals for youth and adults through Picnics In The Parks
Emergency food bags available at several island locations
How do I sign up to use the food bank?
It’s easy!
If you’d like to pick up your groceries onsite, stop into the office to fill out a simple customer intake form (in English or Spanish), or find the form on our website and bring it with you when you come to shop on Wednesday.
If you’d like to sign up for Home Delivery, fill out the intake form and email it to delivery@vashonfoodbank.org. Our Home Delivery Coordinator will follow up with you about how to put in an order.
Where does the food bank get THE FOOD?
The majority of the food we give away on a weekly basis is picked up from our network partner agencies Northwest Harvest and Food Lifeline in Seattle. We regularly receive food from on-island sources including Thriftway, IGA, bakeries and coffee roasters. We are also fortunate to have island neighbors and farms that contribute to food drives or drop off donations at the Food Bank.
We purchase food items to ensure reliability of some staples, like tortillas and shelf-stable milk, that are not always available in the donation stream, as well as a few items that food stamps do not cover such as diapers, toilet paper and feminine hygiene products. We also purchase produce in the fall and winter to ensure that we offer fresh produce all year round.
How else can we help?
Contribute money to help with ongoing operating costs (purchased food, staff, rent and utilities, gas and ferries)
Organize a food
Donate funds from a group you belong to or from a party or event
Spread the word that the Food Bank is here to serve the community.
Is the food bank funded by the state or federal government?
The Vashon Food Bank is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In 2022, 60% 343,231 of our overall income was donated by individuals and families, 1% 7,517 came from local community groups 30% 168,983 came from grants and foundations, 4% 25,297 came from local businesses and just over 5% 34,091 came from county/state/federal government programs.
What do volunteers do?
In 2022, volunteers provided more than 7,470 hours of service! They…
Drive our trucks and pick-up food in Seattle, in Kent and on-island
Unload the trucks and repackage bulk supplies
Pack bags and/or make weekly home deliveries
Participate in food drives
Handle our recycling
Prepare and serve lunches over the summer for Picnics in the Parks
Participate in gleaning extra produce from gardens and orchards.
Assist with administrative/office work
Serve on the Board of Directors or a Board Committee
What do you need right now?
The best way to support the Vashon Food Bank is through financial contributions! We can leverage your dollars by buying in bulk from our partner agencies like Food Lifeline, Costco and Sysco.
If you would like to make a bulk purchase on your own, the following items are useful:
Protein items such as tuna, peanut butter, cheese, nuts (almonds, walnuts…)
Low sodium canned soups, chili and other ready-to-heat and-eat foods
Condiments and spices
Low sugar canned fruits and veggies
Personal hygiene supplies.
Have a different question? Give us a call at 206-463-6332 or send us an email