The Rainier Valley Food Bank (RVFB) provides food assistance to low-income residents in southeast Seattle, with a focus on seniors, families, individuals with disabilities and the homeless. No one is turned away who meets the food bank’s broad criteria for assistance. We have a commitment to honor our clients by offering an abundance of healthy, nutritious food.
Our food bank is wheelchair accessible, and sets aside a service day for the elderly and disabled. The food bank also assists families with babies by offering baby food, formula and diapers as available. RVFB is open on Saturdays to serve working families and is located on three major bus lines serving the southeast Seattle area: the 7, the 9 and the 39.
Volunteer opportunities abound! Click here to learn more.
Here are several reasons to support Rainier Valley Food Bank:
Demand continues to rise
- We are a small facility with a big responsibility. In our tiny building - thanks to the donations of time, food and money from community members - we provide groceries for close to 10,000 people a month.
- We are the only food bank in the heart of Rainier Valley between the Central District and Skyway.
- The declining economy and rising grocery, healthcare and fuel costs have increased the need in our community. In 2009, we distributed an average of over 14,000 lbs a day, with three months topping out at 16,000 lbs a day. This demand continues to rise in 2010, the busiest year ever in our 20-year history.
RVFB is a grassroots, community effort
- With only three employees, our food bank could not operate without a cadre of committed, long-term community volunteers who contribute over 1,400 hours of service every month.
- An invigorated board representing top corporations and the Columbia City community are leading RVFB with a focus on fundraising, community awareness and management of the organization to better serve our clients and meet the increasing demand.
- Private donations from community members account for over half of our funding. In a struggling economy, RVFB needs the support of the community more than ever. Please consider taking a moment to help your neighbors and our food bank today.