Implementing a Food Voucher Program for FareStart’s Mobile Community Market

Grantee: FareStart
Timeframe: October 2024 – September 2025 | Amount: $30,000

FareStart will launch a new food voucher program, allowing low-income households to redeem produce at its Mobile Community Market. This initiative aims to improve access to healthy, locally grown food for food-insecure communities in King County, enhancing overall health outcomes.

FareStart will host 120 market events from April to October 2025, providing fresh produce and other goods free of charge to over 7,000 households. Market locations will be strategically chosen in socially vulnerable neighborhoods with high food insecurity in South Seattle and South King County. Partner organizations such as the International Rescue Committee, YMCA, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and Coordinated Care will support the initiative and provide additional social services at the events.

The market will feature a diverse selection of culturally relevant produce through partnerships with local farms, including Sound Sustainable Farms, Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center, 21 Acres, Carnation Farms, and tBUG (the Bellevue Urban Garden). FareStart will also conduct gleaning events to collect surplus crops and reduce food waste. The program integrates job training for adults facing significant barriers, helping them gain skills in food resourcing, inventory management, and customer service.

FareStart plans to implement a new sustainability model in the 2024-2025 season, which includes food vouchers, SNAP/EBT benefits, and credit card payments. This model aims to sustain the market amid declining government funding. The new voucher system will assist individuals and families who may not qualify for SNAP but still struggle with food insecurity. The project will support vouchers for 600 households, ensuring they receive fresh produce during the 2025 season.

The program’s goals include:

• Transitioning the market model to a combination of food vouchers, SNAP/EBT benefits, and credit card payments to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Providing immediate nutrition to 7,000 households annually through 120 market events.
• Collecting data on household demographics and food access needs to tailor services more effectively.
• Strengthening the local food economy and addressing food insecurity through partnerships with local farms and nonprofits.

ABOUT OUR GRANTEE

FareStart

“FareStart is a social enterprise nonprofit focused on job training and employment. We run food-based businesses that serve as classrooms for our students to learn on-the-job skills that will prepare them for careers while nourishing the community and sustainably funding our mission. Our end goal is personal stability and economic mobility for people overcoming barriers to employment.”