Food Insecurity Facts
The South Seattle region is home to many residents coming from marginalized backgrounds, including individuals who are BIPOC and immigrants or refugees. As a result, our neighbors experience higher rates of food insecurity and poverty, perpetuated by institutional barriers, notably systemic racism.
At RVFB, we are a low-barrier food bank where anyone is welcome to stop by and access our services. We foster inclusivity and dignity as our programs aim to meet the different needs of those in our community.
Our neighbors are More Likely to Experience Food Insecurity
In Washington, 1 in 10 people are food insecure. In Southeast King County, 1 in 4 people are food insecure.
Nearly 80% of students in our service area qualify for free or reduced-priced lunches, compared to Seattle School District’s average of 33%.
The 98118 zip code has the highest rates of unaffordable housing and unemployment, with significant poverty rates affecting children and the overall population.
We are a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Neighborhood
35% of Rainier Beach residents and 22.1% of Seattle residents ages 5 or older speak a language other than English in their household.
40-50% of folks are immigrants or refugees. More than 60 languages are spoken in our community.
Our food bank is located in Rainier Beach, a neighborhood where 70.9% of the population is BIPOC, compared to Seattle where 37.8% of people are BIPOC.
Inequities of Food Insecurity
Mental Health
In most surveys, more than half of people facing food insecurity experienced feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression — twice the number of participants who were not food insecure.
effects on People of color
Black and Hispanic adults experience food insecurity at a rate nearly three times King County’s average. Systemic racism creates barriers for people of color, leading to food insecurity and other injustices, including poverty, unemployment, and inaccessible healthcare.
Inflation
In the fall of 2024, nearly half of WAFood Survey respondents found affording groceries challenging, especially animal proteins and fresh produce. Almost three quarters of food insecure respondents restrict the quality and quantity of food to due to increasing prices.
Effects on LGBTQ+ Folks
Transgender adults were nearly four times more likely than cisgender adults to experience food insecurity. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual county residents also report higher than average rates.
How Our Neighborhood Compares to Seattle
The unemployment rate in Rainier Beach is 5.3%, higher than Seattle’s. The poverty level in Rainier Beach is 13.8%, compared to Seattle's 10%. Additionally, 38% of Rainier Beach residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 65.9% in Seattle.
Racial Gaps in Seattle Homeownership
As Seattle grows, there are higher risks of displacement and price increases in home buying, disproportionately impacting households of color.
Take Action
Contact legislators
Contacting your legislators highlights hunger as an issue in every district. You can advocate for effective strategies that end hunger, promote healthy nutrition, and address its root causes.
To find your district and contact information for your legislators, visit the Washington State Legislature website.
Lend a hand
Our community joins us in envisioning a hunger-free South Seattle.
Give time through volunteering.
Give funds. Donations feed change.
Give items: Donate food and items, host a food, fund, or item drive, or organize packing parties
Give voice: Join a committee or our board, or share your story with us
share knowledge
Continue learning about food insecurity and connect with your community. Talking with family, friends, coworkers, and others about food insecurity’s impacts can encourage us to explore and advocate for solutions. It takes all of us with collective action to end hunger.
Additional Resources
Hunger and Poverty in America - Food Research and Action Center
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Washington - Hunger Free WA
COVID-19’s Impacts on Food System, Insecurity, and Access in Washington - WAFOOD