How / what to donate to the Ballard Food Bank

As reported in MyBallard and on KING 5 News, the Ballard Food Bank is available to help federal employees affected by the partial government shut down.

Here’s a list of food bank needs:

Hygiene Wish List – toilet paper, travel-size toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner.

Food and hygiene items may be dropped off at the food bank with a staff member or volunteer. Please do not leave food donations at the front or side doors of the food bank. During donation hours, go to the front door on Leary Ave to make a donation.

Donation Hours

Monday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

You may also drop off your household donations at a Grocery Partner location where they have a barrel in place. For larger donations, please contact the food bank directly to coordinate a drop off.

Current Partner Sites for Food & Hygiene Drop Off include:
Ballard Market
Bernie’s Automotive
Grumpy D’s Coffee House
Safeway Crown Hill

Here are a few simple guidelines to follow for your donation:

YES

  • Non-perishable, unopened cans and packages of food
  • Fresh produce from your p-patch or garden, including vegetable starts
  • Opened packages of cat & dog food are okay; same goes for hygiene items like shampoo & lotion

NO

  • Open containers of food
  • Homemade items (such as jams and jellies, baked goods)
  • Anything the requires the item to be distributed under the care of a physician

Please do not donate any items that are expired.

The food bank is always looking for the following items:

Food Items:

  • Canned Soup (low sodium)
  • Applesauce (no sugar added)
  • Dried fruit, raisins
  • 100% fruit leather
  • Low sugar fruit jams and jellies
  • Fruit cups in their own juices
  • Oats or oatmeal
  • Granola bars
  • Rice, brown or white
  • Bulgur or polenta
  • Whole grain crackers
  • Shelf Stable Milk & Alternative Milks (Soy, Rice, Almond, etc.)
  • Ensure
  • Canned Chicken & Turkey
  • Canned Tuna or Salmon in water
  • Vegetarian Beans & Soups (low sodium)
  • Peanut butter & other nut butters
  • Coffee
  • Cooking Oils, like Olive and Canola
  • Fresh Produce (especially during the off-season: December-April)

Pet Items:

  • Pet food
  • Cat litter

Hygiene Items:

  • Baby (sizes 4, 5, & 6 only) & Adult Diapers
  • Diaper Wipes
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Soap
  • Lotion
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Razors
  • Toilet Paper
  • Feminine Hygiene Items

Other:

  • Gas Cards
  • Metro/Bus Tickets