Seattle's Child

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Ballard Food Bank

(All photos by Jillian O'Connor)

Ways to give back: Ballard Food Bank

Local organization has opportunities for family food drives, donations.

#ThankfulThursday: If you and your family want to get started helping others meet their needs this holiday season and beyond, you can take a look at Ballard Food Bank, which has a variety of services available to people experiencing hunger and homelessness.

Ballard’s programs include a grocery store-style food bank and mail collection for people who don’t have an address, as well as financial assistance and help with driver’s licenses.

The food bank also provides Weekend Food for Kids deliveries to local schools. 

The top donation items needed for the weekend kids program are: 

  • Granola bars
  • Organic macaroni and cheese
  • Individual packages of nuts or trail mix
  • Single-serving instant oatmeal
  • Snack size fruit cups (in their own juices)

Some of the in-demand items at Ballard Food Bank.

Food drives

Families can help run a food drive with any group, such as work or school, or with neighbors’ help. The food bank can provide barrels for the donated food items, as well as a desired item list. 

Interested families can email kathleenm@ballardfoodbank.org to get started. The food bank will also help with promoting individual drives via social media. 

These are the most needed items right now at Ballard Food Bank, according to the website:

  • Soups and chili
  • Peanut butter
  • Mac and cheese
  • Canned tuna, chicken or salmon
  • Top Ramen or Cup Noodles
  • Single-serving oatmeal
  • Individual cereals

Volunteering

Potential volunteers must submit a volunteer application. The food bank’s website lists that it needs volunteers for these positions: front desk assistant, food packing and delivery driver, van driver, grocery store bagger, grocery store assistant and home delivery food packer. 

Food donations: Where to go

Food donations to Ballard Food Bank can be made at these satellite locations:

They can also be made directly at the Ballard Food Bank at 1400 NW Leary Way. (Check website for dropoff times.) Hygiene product donations can be made too.  

If you have more questions about donating, volunteering or receiving services, you can email development@ballardfoodbank.org or call (206) 789-7800

Information on making financial contributions can be found at ballardfoodbank.org/donate.

 

About the Author

Jillian O'Connor

Jillian O’Connor lives in Seattle with her husband, two sons and a dog named after the Loch Ness Monster.