Food Banks and Pantries in Seattle, WA

How to Get Free Food in Seattle

Food Lifeline is the regional Feeding America member serving 17 counties across western Washington, including the greater Seattle metro, through roughly 300 partner agencies. Anyone in need can get free food at a partner site with no income requirement at most locations. Call 211 or use the food bank website find-food map to locate the nearest pantry or mobile distribution.

Regional Food Bank: Food Lifeline

The primary Feeding America member food bank serving the Seattle, WA area. It distributes food to an estimated 300 partner pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs across 17 counties across western Washington, including the greater Seattle metro.

Notable Pantries and Meal Sites in Seattle

This is a sample of well-known sites. For a full, current list of all pantries near you, use 211 or the food bank website above.

Soup Kitchens and Community Meals

Food Lifeline partners with soup kitchens and meal programs across the Seattle metro, including the Northwest Harvest SODO Community Market and several church-based community meal nights in downtown Seattle and the Rainier Valley. Many meal sites welcome anyone in need with no questions asked and many also hand out groceries. Programs run year-round and expand during winter months.

Mobile Pantry Program

Food Lifeline operates a Mobile Pantry Program that brings fresh produce, dairy, and shelf-stable goods to neighborhoods, schools, and rural towns across western Washington on a rotating schedule. Stops focus on food deserts and areas far from a fixed pantry. Schedules are posted on the food bank website and updated monthly.

SNAP / Food Stamp Outreach

Food Lifeline offers free SNAP application assistance at its main facility, partner sites, and community events across the metro. Staff help residents complete applications, gather documents, and prepare for interviews, and they offer pre-screening so applicants know their likely benefit amount. Help is available in English and Spanish.

How to Find a Pantry Near You in Seattle

Call 211 in Washington, visit foodlifeline.org and use the Find Food map, or call the food bank at 206-588-5200. The Feeding America locator at feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank also covers Seattle. Most pantries require no appointment, but hours change, so call ahead.

More Food & Benefits Guides

• SNAP / Food Stamps guide (general)
• WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
• EBT card guide -- how it works
• Free meals & community kitchens
• P-EBT & Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)

Frequently Asked Questions