Grocery Rescue
Our Grocery Rescue ensures that high-quality, unsold food from local stores reaches our community instead of going to waste.
Seven days a week, food is picked up from partner grocery stores and brought to the food bank to be sorted and redistributed.
We work with more than 20 local partners, including PCC Green Lake, Whole Foods Roosevelt Square, and Trader Joe’s U District. Through this program, we redistribute nearly 2 million pounds of food each year, helping ensure a steady supply of fresh produce, dairy, protein, and pantry staples for the thousands of households we serve each week.
Much of the food we receive is perfectly good but can no longer be sold—items that are close to their sell-by date or produce that may not meet retail standards. This program reduces food waste while ensuring this food reaches neighbors who need it most.
This work is powered by both staff and volunteers.
Volunteers pick up donations using their own cars or, in partnership with Cascade Bicycle Club’s Pedaling Relief Project, by bike. It’s a hands-on role that offers a behind-the-scenes look at how food moves through our community and requires a regular commitment, some training, and the ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
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.