I attended the recent groundbreaking event at FamilyWorks for the renovation of the Wallingford Food Bank. Afterwards, I visited the food bank’s temporary location at the old Stoneway Hardware building, where I was given a tour by Rehana Lanewala, Director of Development and Communications. Rehana provided the following information about how the community can help out in these uncertain times.
Hi neighbors! I work at FamilyWorks, your neighborhood food bank right here in Wallingford/Fremont. It’s a tough time for many people, and we’re bracing for an influx of folks needing food due to the federal government shutdown and SNAP benefits cut-off on November 1st. We’ve been getting lots of messages from caring neighbors asking how to help, so I wanted to share some info for both those needing support and those looking to give support. It’s been truly inspiring to see how our community shows up for one another when systems fall short.
Our Wallingford Food Bank is open to anyone—no ID, income verification, or address/geographic requirements.
Registration desk to sign in when arriving at the temporary food bank location
Location:4318 Stone Way N(the old Stoneway Hardware space—this is our temporary food bank home through mid-2026 while we renovate our permanent location on 45th Street)
Expanded Wallingford Food Bank Hours:
Tues: 12 pm–3 pm
Thurs: 3 pm–6 pm
Fri: 11 am–2 pm
If those times don’t work for you to come in person, we also offer FamilyWorks Groceries to Go, which is an online grocery ordering program where you order groceries weekly online and pick them up at a convenient time. Learn more here.
The ongoing federal government shutdown is putting thousands of families in our community in jeopardy. Hundreds of thousands of low-income Washingtonians lost access to food benefits when SNAP benefits were set to end on November 1st.
IF YOU WANT TO HELP:
There are many ways neighbors can make a difference right now:
Donate funds: Dollars go a long way. Our bulk purchasing power means we can stretch every contribution to buy foods that are most needed, including fresh produce, proteins, and culturally relevant foods. Monthly gifts are great because they help us know what to expect throughout the year and plan accordingly, and for many folks, it’s easier to do $10, $20, or $50 a month than a larger one-time gift. Donate here.
Donate diapers or food: We’re especially in need of shelf-stable, kid-friendly, and culturally diverse foods, and diapers and wipes also help free up more of families’ budgets for food. Learn more here.
Host a food or diaper drive: If you’re not able to make a financial gift, you can help by bringing your community together! Drives at workplaces, local businesses, schools, faith communities, book clubs, or even birthday parties make a big impact, and we can provide materials and support. Here’s how.
Volunteer: We rely on volunteers in our Food Bank and Family Resource Center to keep things running smoothly.
Spread the word: Share this information to help raise awareness about how people can access food or help.
ABOUT FAMILYWORKS:
FamilyWorks is a non-profit offering food access and family support programs in North Seattle. In addition to running the Wallingford Food Bank, we operate mobile and off-site food programs that bring fresh, culturally meaningful groceries directly to families in our community, including visiting schools, public libraries, and affordable housing communities.
Our supportive family programs (headquartered at our Roosevelt Family Resource Center, with programs are offered throughout North Seattle) include resource navigation and benefits assistance, parenting workshops, a diaper bank, community closet with free kids’ clothing, playgroups, a home visiting program, and more—all designed to help families meet their basic needs, find connection, build community, and thrive. Learn more about our programs here.
FamilyWorks is a non-profit offering food access and family support programs in North Seattle. In addition to running the Wallingford Food Bank, we operate mobile and off-site food programs that bring fresh, culturally meaningful groceries directly to families in our community, including visiting schools, public libraries, and affordable housing communities.
