“An investment in food security is an investment in the health of our city. Fresh Bucks continues to do critical work connecting families in our city to a reliable path to nutritious food and building an equitable, sustainable, and resilient local food system. Through partnerships with organizations that center community health and wellbeing, we are nourishing the success of our neighbors for generations to come.”
Mayor Bruce Harrell
Many Seattleites struggle to afford fresh fruits and vegetables. By partnering with 19 local organizations that reach communities disproportionately harmed by systemic racism and environmental injustices, Fresh Bucks provides a stable healthy food benefit to families facing high rates of food insecurity. With Fresh Bucks, enrolled families are eating more fruits and vegetables and experiencing higher food security.
Learn how Fresh Bucks and its partners met the needs of participants last year, in our 2023 Impact Report.
2023 Highlights
Fresh Bucks provided 12,000 Seattle households with $4.8 million in fresh fruits and vegetables to support their health and wellbeing. With 71% of customers being members of priority communities (as defined by a racial equity toolkit in accordance with The City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative).
Fresh Bucks added new retailer, Lee’s Produce Market to help expand access to healthy food in a neighborhood with limited options for purchasing fresh produce. As a woman-of-color, immigrant-owned business, proprietors Nam Suk Nasatka and Linda Oczkewecz were excited to partner with Fresh Bucks to meet the needs of the Delridge neighborhood and enhance their business with new and existing community members.
How Fresh Bucks Works
Enrolled participants receive $40 in their Fresh Bucks account each month. Customers can spend their benefits on fruits and vegetables using their Fresh Bucks Card or app at 41 local retail partners, including 8 locally owned, independent grocers (six of which are BIPOC-owned), 16 farmers markets and farm stands, and 17 supermarkets. The $4.8 million in benefits spent at these retailers led to $7.6 million in economic impact.
For general information on the program, please visit SeattleFreshBucks.org or call 206-256-5438.