Food Assistance Programs and Services
We are trusted partners who anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of the food system by focusing on the intersection, viability, and success of hunger relief organizations and agricultural producers.
Together, we ensure access to healthy food and sustain vibrant communities for all Washingtonians.
State funded program to support lower-income Washingtonians and those experiencing homelessness. It provides funding to local food banks and food pantries (including tribal food pantries) to support costs of food, operational expenses, training, equipment, and repairs. Established in Washington in 1986 and serves approximately 1.3 million people each year (8.4 million visits).
State funded program to support lower-income Washingtonians and those experiencing homelessness. In addition to EFAP-Tribal food pantry programs, Food Assistance provides funding to tribes and tribal organizations to support the costs of operating the tribal voucher program which supports more than 10,000 tribal members. Established in Washington in 1986.
Initiative to fund long-term relationships between emergency food organizations and small-scale farmers for the sale and distribution of fresh produce to the community. Established in Washington in 2014, in partnership with Harvest Against Hunger. In 2021, F2FP had 123 participating farmers.
Federally funded (USDA) program providing food and limited operational funding to emergency food providers and meal programs, to supplement diets of lower-income Washingtonians and those experiencing homelessness. Established in Washington in 1981 and serves about 550,000 people each month (6.6 million visits). In accordance with USDA policy, USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Federally funded (USDA) short-term grant program helping to reduce food waste by supporting harvesting, packing, processing, and/or distributing of donated foods from farmers and growers to hunger relief organizations. Established in Washington in 2020 and ended in January of 2025. Future funding for FTFB is currently unknown and would be released in a future Farm Bill. In accordance with USDA policy, USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Federally funded (USDA) program providing nutritious food packages to low-income people 60 years of age and over (limited availability). Established in Washington in 2001, serves approximately 6,154 seniors each month (73,848 visits). In accordance with USDA policy, USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) requested funds for the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) pilot program to leverage public purchasing opportunities and achieve the shared goals of strengthening supply chains and fostering equitable and resilient local food systems across the state.
In an effort to encourage lower-income individuals to choose healthier food options, WSDA has partnered with the Department of Health to create educational tools for use in food pantries.