Food donations play an important role in our food supply.
While much of our food comes through grocery rescue and nonprofit partnerships, donations from community members help provide additional variety for our customers.
Each year, we ask customers what foods matter most to them. Fresh produce and meat consistently rank as the most requested items. Because these foods are perishable and require specialized storage and handling, we are typically unable to accept them through community food drives. Financial donations allow us to purchase these high-demand items throughout the year.
Yes, we do need and accept handled paper grocery bags (double bagged when possible) and clean egg cartons!
How & where to donate food
Food donations can be dropped off at the University District Food Bank during the following hours:
Monday: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
If you're unable to visit during our donation hours, food may also be placed in our donation barrel at the QFC in University Village, located inside the southwest entrance vestibule.
Please Do Not Park in the Bike Lane
To help keep our neighbors safe, please avoid parking in the bike lane when dropping off donations. You are welcome to pull into our garage driveway to unload off the street. Please watch for pedestrians, as our sidewalk is often busy during operating hours.
Our most needed items
Pasta + sauce (tomato, pesto, peanut)
Mac & cheese
Peanut (or other nut) butter and jelly
Soups, stews, broths/bouillon
Rice (long grain, short grain, flavored)
Canned beans and canned fish
Kid friendly snacks (like granola bars, nuts, applesauce packets, etc)
Kid-friendly meals (like mac and cheese cups, ramen bowls, pre-made tuna salad or chicken salad with crackers, etc)
Cereal, granola, and oatmeal
Cooking oil
Alternative milks (soy, oat, rice, etc)
Diapers (especially larger sizes) and wipes
Baby formula and baby food
Pet food
Toilet paper, bar soap, toothpaste, dish soap
Menstrual products (pads and tampons)
Thinking outside of the can
Did you know we can accept more than just your canned food donations? We also appreciate donations of:
Handled, sturdy paper grocery bags are used for packing groceries for walk-up and home delivery customers.
Toiletries and hygiene supplies like soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products all help food bank customers meet more of their basic needs.
Fresh produce from your home garden, CSA, or P-Patch is quite popular with our customers.
Pet food (especially cat food) helps food bank families keep their pets well nourished too.
Clean, one dozen egg cartons for repackaging eggs that we buy in bulk.
Questions or comments?
Looking to volunteer?
Did you know that we need more than 350+ volunteers each week to keep our community well fed? Fill out this application or contact our Volunteer Manager here.
Make a donation
Your support helps us provide three days of healthy food to the 2,500 families who visit us each week.