Frequently Asked Questions

How is EFP different than my neighborhood food bank?

The idea for the Emergency Feeding Program arose from a study of local food banks conducted by a University of Washington graduate student back in the mid-1970s. She identified two areas of concern that, in retrospect, are not very surprising. She found that the quality of food available tended to depend on the affluence of the neighborhood in which the food bank was located. The more affluent the neighborhood, the higher quality the food. In addition, she found that it was often difficult, if not impossible, for an individual or family to find everything they needed to make nutritionally balanced meals in a single trip to the food bank.

EFP’s unique model of service was designed specifically to address these two problems.

All EFP bags contain the same high quality, nutritious food no matter where they are distributed. Our goal is to provide everyone we serve with the same quality of food that those of us who are more fortunate would purchase for our own families.

And each of EFP’s 14 different varieties of emergency grocery bags was designed with the help of qualified nutritionists to ensure that they provide individuals and families with the balanced nutrition they need and deserve.

EFP then makes these bags available through a network of more than 130 social & human service agencies, food banks, schools, public health clinics, and faith communities located throughout King County. These are places where hungry people can go not just to receive emergency food, but also where a knowledgeable staff can help a family address the underlying causes of their crisis—be it unemployment or underemployment, the need for additional services such as energy or rent assistance, or something even more tragic such as a domestic violence situation—so they can be directed to other community resources that will help them get the help they so desperately need. Access to an EFP food bag can really be the first step on the road to a more successful, secure, and self-sufficient future

Are EFP distribution sites designed to replace my local food bank?

Absolutely not! Food banks are a vital community resource designed to provide service recipients with an ongoing source of supplemental food. But all too often, even if they are signed up with their local food bank, struggling households find that this resource simply does not provide them with enough supplemental food to provide adequate nutrition. Other households, for various reasons, find that restrictions disqualify them from receiving help from the food bank. Because EFP bags are available to everyone in need, they provide an important lifeline for those who might otherwise go hungry.

In addition, EFP is proud to supply emergency bags to a number of local food banks. The availability of EFP bags gives these food banks the flexibility to distribute groceries to needy households outside of their regular hours, to provide help to those who might not meet their normal residency or other requirements, and to address the nutritional needs of their clients on restricted diets.

Why does EFP pack so many different bags?

EFP understands that every household is unique, coming in different sizes, with different nutritional needs and food preferences. That is why, in addition to providing three sizes of regular diet bags, EFP also prepares bags for those requiring low-sodium, low-sugar and vegan foods, Latino and Asian bags, “no-cook” packs for homeless individuals and families, and the popular “Snack Pack” developed for and with the help of homeless teens. EFP’s two varieties of infant bags—one packed with iron-enriched infant formula and the other with jars of strained fruit, vegetables and meat, and rice cereal—are designed to provide a full week’s nutrition for a growing baby. All of EFP’s bags were developed in consultation with qualified nutritionists.

Click here to view a list of all available EFP emergency grocery bags

Where can a hungry individual or family obtain an EFP food bag?

EFP emergency grocery bags are available at over 130 locations throughout King County. Some two-thirds of these distribution partners keep food on hand exclusively for their own clients. The others make EFP bags available to anyone in need, with our without a referral.

Click here for the locations and operating hours of sites where food is available to the general public.

How much food does EFP distribute annually?

In 2009, EFP distributed a record 26,146 emergency grocery bags, serving over 70,000 individuals – the equivalent of more than 370,000 meals.

Where does the food come from?

More than half of the food that goes into EFP bags is bulk purchased by the program. The remainder is collected through food drives

How much food does EFP distribute annually?

In 2009, EFP distributed a record 26,146 emergency grocery bags, serving over 70,000 individuals – the equivalent of more than 370,000 meals.

Where does the food come from?

More than half of the food that goes into EFP bags is bulk purchased by the program. The remainder is collected through food drives.

How is EFP funded?

2009 Revenue:

In-Kind Food Donations – 38%
Government Grants – 31%
Faith Communities – 6%
Individuals – 6%
Volunteer & In-Kind Services – 6%
Foundations – 5%
Businesses/Matching Campaigns – 4%
Special Events – 4%

Click here to view EFP’s 2009 Annual Report.

How can I help?

Financial donations are always most welcome. Click here to donate online.

If you are looking for a hands-on group activity, you, your company, faith community, or school might like to arrange to help us pack bags in our Seattle warehouse. Groups range from small “family-sized” groups to 25 or more. Packing bags is fun, a great family or team building opportunity, and it really helps out!

We are also always in need of volunteers to help us conduct food drives.  The majority of the food drives done on behalf of EFP take place in workplaces, schools, and faith communities.  Although these are often relatively small scale events, they have big impact.  It is surprising how much food can be gathered by numerous, individual efforts. It’s easier than you might think! We can provide promotional flyers, donation barrels, and donation pickup.  You provide the heart and hands that ensure success.  

Our biggest food drive of the year takes place each September.  Called Mayors’ Day of Concern for the Hungry, this event brings together hundreds of volunteers who work in groups to staff grocery stores throughout King County.  Volunteers hand out flyers at the market’s doors listing specific “most-needed” foods.  Shoppers respond generously, dropping their donations into waiting donation canisters.  It is a great opportunity for neighbors, faith communities, schools, and businesses to pull a few volunteers together, take on a store, and collect a truly significant amount of food in a few hours time. 

For more information about volunteer opportunities, please click here.

For additional information, to arrange a tour of our facilities, or to explore additional ways that you can make a difference in the lives of hungry local individuals and families, please call us at 206-329-0300 or drop us an email at info@emergencyfeeding.org.