Lake City and Bitter Lake Food Banks

Come Say Hello

12736 33rd Ave NE
Seattle, WA, 98125

206-367-3477

Food Distribution Hours

Wednesday: 9:00 am – 1:45 pm

Thursday: 4:00 pm – 6:45 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am – 1:45 pm

 

How To Visit

Masking is strongly encouraged when visiting North Helpline Food Bank’s distribution. You will need a mask when registering inside the office space.

If you would like a mask, please ask a volunteer or staff member for one when you arrive.

First time?

  1. Register with us in our Client Services office inside the building. You will receive a North Helpline card. This card is free, and you do not need a state ID to receive one. Bring this card every time you visit.

  2. Review our First Visit Guide

    Been here before?

  3. Check in with a North Helpline volunteer when you arrive. At Lake City, you will receive a number slip and wait in the designated waiting area until your number is called; at Bitter Lake, neighbors line up without receiving a number slip.

  4. When it is your turn, please proceed to the check-in station where we will scan your North Helpline card.

  5. Select your food from the distribution area. Volunteers will be there to assist you.

  6. Let a volunteer or staff member know if you would like assistance moving your groceries to your vehicle.

How Many Visits

Neighbors may access our two food banks up to six times per month.

  • A visit to either of our two food banks counts towards the same six visit limit. It is not 6 visits per location.

  • You can visit each of our two food banks once per day.

  • If you visit both of our food banks on the same day, it will count as 2 of your 6 visits.

  • You will be told at check-in when you are on your final (sixth) visit of the month.

  • Your six visits begin again on the first of each month.

Foods and Items We Provide

For households of one to four people, a typical visit may include the following items, based on availability:

  • Fresh leafy greens

  • 2 mixed vegetables, a mixed fruit,

  • 1 lb of apples

  • 1 lb of potatoes

  • 1 lb of onions

  • 1 lb of citrus

  • Bag of flour or a quart of cooking oil

  • 1 lb of rice

  • 1 can of vegetables

  • 1 can of beans

  • 1 small beverage

  • Bag or box of snacks (crackers, cookies, etc)

  • An item from our cooking/baking/condiments selection.

  • A dozen eggs

  • 2lbs of chicken, beef, or fish

  • A dessert

  • A deli or dairy item

  • Menstrual products, pet food, diapers, formula, wipes, and incontinence supplies may also be offered during food distributions, depending on availability

  • North Helpline is also committed to offering culturally relevant foods that honor the diverse backgrounds, traditions, and preferences of the neighbors we serve. Our inventory rotates throughout the year to reflect seasonal availability and culturally significant holidays

Want To Donate Food?