As SNAP benefits are poised to expire on November 1, many Seattleites may struggle to access groceries and hot meals. This is also a time of year when many are looking to give back during the holiday season. Whether you or someone you know is dealing with food insecurity or you’re looking for a place in Seattle where you can donate some food, time, or money this month, this guide is here to help. Below you’ll find a list of places to find free meals and groceries in Seattle, as well as a list of food drives, community fridges, and food banks where you can donate if you have the ability.
Note that this is not an exhaustive list, but if you’re in need of a meal or looking to donate you’ll find some great resources here.
Places to get free meals in Seattle this November:
- Friday Feast (U District): a free hot meal every Friday from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.
- Lenox (Belltown): Free SNAP To-Go Dinners, starting on November 1 daily from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Reach out for the menu and to place an order: info@lenoxwa.com or 206-375-4557.
- Sabine (Ballard): Free food and coffee for all on November 2 from 10:00 to 2:00. There will also be a food drive, community resources, and live music.
- Bagel Oasis: offering to help anyone losing SNAP benefits; contact bageloasismanager@gmail.com
- Toasted: starting November 1, no proof or questions for a free breakfast. Locations in U District, SLU, and Bellevue.
- ChuMinh Tofu & Vegan Deli (CID): free meals Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
- Friday Afternoon Tea (Wallingford): community pantry; take what you need and leave what you can.
- Rootstock NW: fresh local groceries delivered throughout King County.
- Taco City (Columbia City): kids eat for free all November. Parents get 10% off their meal too.
- Seattle Community Fridges. Take what you need! See all locations here.
- Community Lunch in Capitol Hill: Monday through Friday, free coffee and breakfast 9:30 am to 10:30 am, free lunch 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.
- Ballard food bank. Includes weekend food for kids and home delivery services. Closed Fridays.
- The food bank at St. Mary’s in the Central District distributes food on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and does home deliveries as well if needed.
Food drives and places to donate to:
- Snap to Action Food Drive at Cal Anderson Park in Capitol Hill on Saturday, November 1 from noon to 3:00 p.m. Bring unopened, nonperishable foods.
- Garden Club Cafe Food Drive at Sabine in Ballard on Sunday, November 2 from 10:00 to 2:00. Bring non-perishables.
- Give a Meal during Seattle Restaurant Week (through November 8).
- B Town Yarn Food Drive in Burien starting November 1.
- Community food drive box at Celine Waldmann Capitol Hill starting now.
- Food drive at Sweet Alchemy in Capitol Hill starting now.
- Seattle Community Fridges. See all locations here.
- Friday Afternoon Tea community pantry in Wallingford, open now.
- Spoonfed Training food drive in Tukwila.
- Friday Feast soup kitchen in U District.
- Rootstock NW: fresh local groceries delivered throughout King County.
- Ballard food bank.
- The food bank at St. Mary’s.
- Toasted is accepting donations to help them offer free meals.
What Seattle Freeze? If you’re in need, Seattle does have community—you just have to look for it. Remember to look out for your neighbors and ask for help if you need it!