Fresh Bucks customers can use their benefit to purchase fruits and vegetables from partner retailers. The City of Seattle’s Fresh Bucks program made big strides toward our mission to help households access fresh, healthy food in 2024. We worked to expand the number of retailers in the Fresh Bucks network, the diversity of produce options, and the physical locations of stores to better meet our more than 12,000 enrolled Seattle households where they’re at.
As Seattleites face rising food prices, Fresh Bucks is working to provide critical support. We partnered with 11 community organizations that serve communities of color and overburdened neighborhoods to continue to prioritize reaching households that are disproportionately affected by food insecurity and diet-related diseases.
Continuing reading for highlights from the 2024 Fresh Bucks Impact Report!
Nourishing Neighbors
Operated by the Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE), Fresh Bucks helps Seattleites access healthy food while directly supporting local farmers and small businesses. By providing $40 per month to each enrolled household to spend on fruits and vegetables, Fresh Bucks helps folks to stretch their food budgets while encouraging healthier eating habits.
“Fresh Bucks has transformed our grocery shopping into an adventure,” said one Fresh Bucks participant. “I let each of my children pick a fruit or vegetable for the family, and it’s amazing to see their excitement about fresh produce. They’ve gone from picky eaters to food explorers!”
The program also advances climate goals by supporting local farmers, improving access to produce that has a low carbon footprint, and fostering a more sustainable food system in Seattle.
Expanding Access and Investing in the Local Economy
Last year, Fresh Bucks expanded the number of places where eligible households can use their benefits. Participants can now shop at 45 retail locations, including:
- 10 locally owned independent grocers
- 18 farmers markets and farm stands
- 16 supermarkets
- Even a grocery delivery partner!
In total, $4.8 million in Fresh Bucks benefits were spent in 2024, going directly into our region’s local food economy.
Improving Public Health and Well-Being
Regular access to fresh produce is known to lower the risk of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Fresh Bucks saw an 87% increase in customer spending at Seattle farmers markets, farm stands, and independent grocers from 2023 to 2024. By making fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable and accessible, Fresh Bucks is helping to address the root causes of diet-related diseases and promoting healthier lifestyles for people across Seattle.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Momentum
The OSE team looks forward to continuing to serve Fresh Bucks customers, working closely with community organizations, and enrolling new participants as spots open up.
Earlier this year, Fresh Bucks launched a waitlist application, which will be open for the foreseeable future. Spots will be offered as they become available. Fresh Bucks uses a random selection process to enroll eligible applicants from the waitlist.
In addition to Fresh Bucks, the City of Seattle offers dozens of discounts and assistance programs to residents. For information on how to save on utilities, childcare, food, housing, transportation, and more, visit the City of Seattle’s website.
To learn more about Fresh Bucks, please visit SeattleFreshBucks.org.