Kindness Cafe Cooks Up Connections

Ballard Food Bank believes in connection. We pride ourselves in the connection to resources and the connection through food that happens every single day in our community hub. Recently, our innovative and talented Kindness Café staff launched our first ever Cooking Class. With self-sufficiency and community at the heart of this event, the piloted class brought together 5 community members on March 8th to prepare and enjoy a dish side by side.

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Ballard Food Bank
Creating a Meaningful Celebration

One of the joys of being involved with Ballard Food Bank is to witness the many ways people in our community infuse meaning into their events by creating a way to give back. Experiences like these create a connection to the community and leave those involved informed and buoyed.

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Ballard Food Bank
Staff Spotlight: Lily Cowen

On any given Wednesday, the warehouse is bustling with energy in the back corner near a large open door. Collegial volunteers gather around multiple tables piled with crates of produce, canned dry goods, and various nutritious snacks. The volunteers flank the warehouse tables and skillfully walk toward one end, filling white plastic bags with fruits, snacks, and easy-to-prepare meals as they go. Leading the effort is Lily Cowen, our wonderful Food Access Coordinator here at Ballard Food Bank. Lily has been with Ballard Food Bank since March of 2023.

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Ballard Food Bank
Taking Action in Olympia to End Poverty and Food Insecurity

The 2024 Washington State Legislative Session began on January 8. During this short 60-day session, legislators are working on the state budget and voting on several bills related to hunger and poverty.

Hunger is growing in Washington, and we need both policy changes and more funding for services that support families and feed kids and seniors.

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Ballard Food Bank
Kindness Café Staff Create Nourishing Foods Tailored to All Client Needs

The talented team of Natalie Schwartz, Kindness Café manager, and Briana Sherman, Kindness Café supervisor, are ensuring that all guests have food items that fit their dietary and health needs. They’re committed to providing nourishing, nutritious meals and making sure that customers who visit the café feel safe, comfortable, and welcome. They plan menus, order food, schedule volunteers and guest chefs, develop recipes, and ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.   

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Ballard Food Bank