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Close-up of person's hands planting or tending small green plants in soil outdoors.

Rooftop Roots

Four stories above our food bank, the 2,000-square-foot farm thrives as a raised-bed urban oasis.

Stewarded by Shanelle Donaldson-West, our dedicated Food Bank Farmer, the farm grows fresh, culturally familiar produce year-round for our community.

We harvest and distribute herbs, veggies, fruits, and edible flowers on the same day to ensure peak freshness for our customers.

Much of the produce goes directly to the Apple a Day Café, where Café Manager Arra incorporates it into delicious, nourishing meals that day.

In spring 2024, a significant rebuild transformed the farm into a more drought-tolerant and productive space, helping us grow even more for those we serve.

Logo for Rooftop Roots at University District Food Bank featuring the text 'Rooftop Roots' with two red tomatoes as the letter 'O's and additional text below.
A person sitting on a bench, wearing a gray University of Washington hoodie, is working with a bunch of fresh radishes that have green leaves and white roots. There is an orange bucket and another container on the bench, and the background features horizontal teal slats.
A group of young people on a rooftop garden with potted plants and growing vegetables, working together in daylight.
People planting seedlings in a garden bed, with one person holding a seed packet with a radish image.

Growing Community

Beyond providing fresh food, Rooftop Roots offers hands-on educational opportunities for young adults in our community.

Students gain practical skills in urban farming, gardening, and food systems, preparing them for careers in agriculture, food production, and environmental sustainability.

A rooftop garden with potted lavender plants in the foreground, various green plants, and orange flowers in black containers. In the background, there are greenhouses, a building, and a partially cloudy sky.
Close-up of a bumblebee gathering nectar from purple lavender flowers in a garden.

Supporting Pollinators

Rooftop Roots is also home to three honeybee hives that support pollinator health and help our farm thrive.

The hives provide opportunities to educate volunteers and community members about the important role pollinators play in local food systems. Each year, the bees produce a small honey harvest that supports our work and connects people to the farm in a unique way.

Questions or comments?

Contact the Rooftop Roots Farm Manager.

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. 

Donate Here