Seattle’s Fresh Bucks program, administered by the Office of Sustainability and Environment, released its 2022 Impact Report.
Fresh Bucks partners with a network of local partners to serve 12,000 Seattle households, redeeming $4.6 million in fruit and vegetable benefits.
Enrolled Fresh Bucks participants receive $40 in benefits in their Fresh Bucks account each month. Customers can spend their benefits on fruits and vegetables using their Fresh Bucks Card or app at participating farmers markets, farm stands, and grocery stores, six of which are BIPOC-owned. In 2022, the program welcomed two new small businesses into the retail network, Central Co-op and the program’s first grocery delivery provider, Local Yokels.
“Healthy communities are at the center of our vision for a strong, vibrant One Seattle, and we are committed to ensuring that every family has access to high-quality, nutritious, and culturally relevant foods. As pandemic-era food assistance benefits end and inflation remains high, programs like Fresh Bucks are critical for providing tangible support to vulnerable communities most impacted by food insecurity. By partnering with healthcare clinics, non-profits, local retailers, and farmers markets, we are strengthening local food systems and helping neighbors find fresh foods that taste good – and support their overall health.” – Mayor Bruce Harrell, City of Seattle
Fresh Bucks partners with 41 retail partners and 19 local organizations who implement the program and reach community members most impacted by food insecurity.
“With grocery prices continuing to rise, the need for food assistance is higher than ever. Fresh Bucks fills a critical need, providing healthy food to 12,000 households, 83% of which report being food insecure, including people with low-incomes, communities of color, immigrant, and refugee communities. We know there are many more families in need, and I look forward to working with Mayor Bruce Harrell and City Council to find ways to reach more Seattle families with Fresh Bucks. – Jessyn Farrell, Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment. – Jessyn Farrell, Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment
To learn more about how Fresh Bucks and its partners met the needs of program participants last year, see the 2022 Fresh Bucks Impact Report.
Fresh Bucks is funded by the City of Seattle General Fund and revenue from the Sweetened Beverage Tax. For general information on the program, please visit SeattleFreshBucks.org or call 206-256-5438.