Washington State SNAP or “Basic Food” assistance benefits are set to expire after Friday, October 31st, due to the federal shutdown – read updates here.

Who is impacted?

• One in nine of our neighbors in downtown Seattle
• Approximately 930,000 people in 540,000-plus households in Washington State
• Families with children, seniors, people with disabilities and working families

How can you help?

Join us in taking immediate action to prevent a swift rise in hunger and food insecurity in our community:

Donate Now to support food programs in Pike Place Market that reach 20,000 of our neighbors in downtown Seattle via the Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank and The Market Commons

Donate Now

• Contact your State and Federal Legislators:
  • Urge your State Legislators to demand Emergency Funding to bridge the gap in food assistance immediately
  • Call Members of Congress to Restore Funding for Life-Saving SNAP & WIC Benefits

The Pike Place Market Foundation is dedicated to supporting our food service partners in the Market with critical funding and resources. You can help by donating and advocating State and Nation-wide to restore these critical funds.

Where to go for food assistance in the Market?

• Pike Market Food Bank: Hours and grocery distribution
• Pike Market Senior Center: Breakfast & Lunch meal programs for adults ages 55 or older
• The Market Commons: Food Access shopping programs including Protein Bucks, Pike Bucks and Fresh Bucks

“The spike in demand for our services in 2025 at both the food bank and senior center meal program have been surging since spring as inflation has dramatically affected food prices. It is our responsibility to quell their anxieties with consistent supply and empathetic presence.” – Pamela Hinckley, Executive Director of the Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank

Food insecurity is strongly linked to poorer health outcomes. Access to fresh, nutritious food does more than alleviate hunger: it protects health and reduces health care costs.

Learn more about our model for a healthy community at the Pike Place Market Foundation.