Plant Based Food Share
Mission
Plant Based Food Share was founded to close the gap in access to fresh, locally sourced food, and agricultural education in communities that have experienced fresh food apartheid.
Our purpose-built food justice program begins with a box.
We invite our community members to explore the journey of their fresh, locally sourced food items from seed to stove by engaging in our program. Together, we will close the gap and engage in a community vision for holistic well being for everyone.
Vision
Our vision at Plant Based Food Share is to transform our communities that experience the fresh food apartheid. Through complimentary, fresh, locally sourced plant-based food, alongside the context of our local food system, and resources for holistic living, we can bring justice to that have communities historically experienced these gaps.
At Plant Based Food Share we hope to instill a culture focused on sustainable food sourcing, respect for food systems, and advocacy for local food issues such as insecurity, workers rights, and food equity.
History
Plant Based Food Share gave our first plant-based food boxes on March 30, 2020 at Cafe Red in South Seattle . We came together to help ease the burdens brought on by COVID, but we have big dreams. Since then, we have given out over a thousand boxes full of fresh produce and grains, with masks and hand sanitizer. We are constantly expanding our mission of feeding our friends and neighbors in need and eventually want to become a community resource with our own space for educational classes about health, gardening, and plant-based cooking.
PBFS serves low-income, underserved urban communities who live in food deserts and includes: African American, Latinx, & BlPOC children, families, elders, and domestic violence victims. We provide food boxes with organic produce, pantry essentials, and fresh baked goods, and culturally relevant, prepared meals. We do this work as a way to heal our communities, to inspire community, and to encourage healthy lifestyles for those that are underserved and have historically been unable to grow their own food or access healthy foods.
Who We Serve
We support low-income, underserved urban and rural communities who experience food apartheid: African American, Indigenous, Latinx, & BlPOC children, families, elders, veterans, immigrants, people with disabilities, health compromised, and those in and fleeing from domestic violence relationships.
Our Work
Plant Based Food Share is designed to offer:
- Produce and pantry essentials for families to prepare meals during the week
- Healthy Plant Based Meals cooked by Chefs of Color
- Tools to grow food at homes with limited space, utilizing kitchens, window sills, balconies, etc.
- Provide herbs for our community for health and wellness support
We do this work as a way to heal and inspire our communities, and to encourage healthy lifestyles for those that are underserved and have historically been unable to grow their own food or access healthy foods.
Access to fresh, nutritious food is a fundamental right, not a privilege. By providing plant-based meals and fresh produce to our most vulnerable communities, we ensure that no one is left hungry or without the nourishment they need to thrive. Food insecurity impacts physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life, and we are committed to breaking that cycle by making healthy, locally sourced food accessible to all. Through our distribution programs, meal boxes, and partnerships with local BIPOC farmers, we are building a future where everyone has the sustenance they need to live a healthier, fuller life.
Food justice goes beyond simply providing meals—it’s about empowering individuals with knowledge. Understanding where food comes from, how it impacts health, and the role of sustainable agriculture is essential to creating long-term change. Our education initiatives focus on teaching the community about food systems, plant-based nutrition, and holistic wellness, equipping individuals and families with the tools they need to make informed choices. Whether through cooking classes, urban gardening workshops, or discussions about food equity, we strive to inspire self-sufficiency and a deeper appreciation for the connection between food, culture, and health.
Strong communities are built on connections, and our approach goes beyond food distribution to foster meaningful relationships with those we serve. By nurturing personal connections, we ensure that individuals are not just receiving food but are also linked to additional resources that support their overall well-being. Whether it’s connecting families with wellness programs, providing access to local food initiatives, or offering guidance on sustainable eating, we aim to create a support system that extends far beyond our programs. Food is a powerful tool for bringing people together, and through engagement, we cultivate a sense of belonging, empowerment, and shared purpose.
True well-being starts with access to nutritious food and the knowledge to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Through our gardening programs, plant-based meal initiatives, and cooking resources, we empower individuals to take control of their food choices and create a foundation for long-term wellness. Growing food at home, learning how to prepare balanced meals, and understanding the benefits of plant-based nutrition can be transformative, especially in communities historically excluded from fresh food systems. By providing the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to embrace healthier living, we help individuals and families cultivate habits that nourish both their bodies and their communities.
Our Impact
23,000 Boxes
Plant-Based Food Share has given out over 23,000 boxes and counting. We are dedicated to filling the homes of our communities with fresh, locally sourced plant-based foods.
575,000 lbs
Together with our community partners, we have been able to deliver over 575,000 pounds of fresh, locally sourced food, plant-based treats, and more.