The Cherry Street Food Bank
711 Cherry St., Seattle, WA
(206) 625-0755

Besides providing food for over 300 partner programs, Northwest Harvest operates one food bank itself: the Cherry Street Food Bank in downtown Seattle.

Cherry Street is the busiest food bank in the state, serving over 2,000 people on full-service days.

We serve people of all backgrounds. Our clients are the young and old; those affected by layoffs and full-time, low-wage workers; families suffering a medical crisis and domestic violence victims. These are our neighbors in need. As one of our volunteers said, “If you stand here long enough, you'll see yourself walk through that door.”

Many find it difficult to seek help, so we try to make our clients as comfortable as possible, welcoming them with a smile and asking only for enough information to make sure we're meeting client need. Proof of address, income or need is never required.

Clients are asked only for:
•    last name
•    zip code
•    total number of people in the family
•    number of family members who are children, adults or seniors

On full-service days, clients choose items such as pasta, canned vegetables and boxed meals. Protein products are distributed on the last Monday and Wednesday of each month. Sack lunches are ready for those without cooking facilities. Over 1,000 sack lunch packages, including freshly-made sandwiches, are regularly distributed on full-service days.

On Thursdays, Cherry Street Food Bank's Baby Corner provides infant formula and jarred baby food for our youngest clients. Diapers are also distributed, when available. A current medical coupon, birth certificate or the presence of a child is required to receive Baby Corner items.

Cherry Street Food Bank schedule

•   Monday
    9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Full-Service: choice of grocery line or sack lunch
•   Tuesday:
    9 a.m. to 5 p.m., pastries and produce as available
•   Wednesday:
    9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Full-Service: choice of grocery line or sack lunch
•   Thursday:
    9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Baby Corner
•   Friday:
    9 a.m. to 5 p.m., pastries and produce as available
•   Saturday and Sunday:
    Closed

Directions to 711 Cherry Street:

From I-5 north:
•    Take James St exit; head north on 7th Ave.
•    Stay in the center lane and cross James St.
•    At next light; take a right onto Cherry Street.
•    The food bank is mid-block between 7th and 8th Avenues on the south side of Cherry.

From I-5 south:
•    Take James St. exit; stay in left lane.
•    Turn left at first intersection onto Cherry Street (under freeway).
•    Go straight at next intersection (7th Ave).
•    The food bank is mid-block between 7th and 8th Avenues on the south side of Cherry.