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Transforming lives
through food

We help people overcoming barriers to employment gain job and life skills while feeding our community. It starts with food but grows from there into career pathways that provide stability and economic mobility.

WHO WE ARE

FareStart is a social enterprise nonprofit focused on job training and employment. We run food-based businesses that serve as classrooms for our students to learn on-the-job skills that will prepare them for careers while nourishing the community and sustainably funding our mission. Our end goal is personal stability and economic mobility for people overcoming barriers to employment.

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Our Programs

The holistic approach to our programs helps address the root causes of poverty and food insecurity.

DINING

Food is the foundation of our work. It’s the tool we use to transform lives, disrupt poverty and nourish communities. Our restaurant and cafés have long been central to this work.

Feeding our mission

FareStart’s dining venues serve as classrooms for our students and help support our mission. We run these social enterprise businesses to train people on the job for future careers in food-related industries. Your support and patronage have a direct impact on our ability to fund these job training programs.

FareStart businesses are open and providing on-the-job training opportunities for students, including the FareStart Cafés, our Community & School Meals Program and made-to-order Box Lunches.

In addition, plans are underway to fully reopen the flagship FareStart Restaurant in June for breakfast and lunch, cater private events at the FareStart Restaurant and host Guest Chef Nights.

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Our model has far-reaching impact

We measure the impact of everything we do to ensure we’re delivering on our mission to disrupt poverty and nourish communities through food, life skills and job training.

14,784

individuals served

We have helped almost 15,000 adults and youth work toward personal stability and economic mobility since 1992.

82%

job placement rate

On average, 82% of adult students have secured jobs within 90 days of graduating from our job training programs.

19M

Meals prepared

Since 1992, we have prepared almost 19 million meals for local nonprofits, shelters, respite centers, youth and adult daycare centers and schools.

272

organizations impacted

We have consulted with nearly 300 organizations in 51 states and provinces across the U.S. and Canada to advance job training programs and realize better employment outcomes.

News

Stay up to date on all the latest FareStart news.

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Be the first to hear what’s up at FareStart and share it with your friends and community.

  • “It’s very nice. I’m very happy. This helps me and my family.” -- Olesia, a FareStart Mobile Community Market customer from Kurdistan who cares for her elderly parents. Late last month, we kicked off the start of FareStart's 2024 Mobile Community Market season, which provides fresh produce and other staples between April and October. FareStart’s mobile market launched as a pilot project in 2021 during the pandemic. This year, we are continuing to evolve the market to make it more financially sustainable while continuing to advance food security among communities with limited access to healthy and nutritious food. FareStart students are also gaining valuable job skills as they help prep and package produce in our kitchens, which will be distributed via the market. In 2024, we expect to sell and distribute nearly 100,000 pounds of food to 7,000 households. Thanks to our partners for their support in nourishing communities: @oxbowcenter, @21acres, @carnationfarms, @soundsustainablefarms, @tbuggarden, @RESCUEorg, @newroots_seattle, @aashFarms, @ecolibriumfarms, @rfharvest, @healthpoint_chc, @virginiamasonfranciscanhealth, @ymcaseattle, Clark R Smith Family Foundation, Coordinated Care, Linden Rhoads, Washington State Department of Agriculture You can learn more about our Mobile Community Market by clicking the FareStart News link in our bio. #FareStart #FoodSecurity #FarmersMarket #CommunityMarket
  • There’s still time to #GiveBig! FareStart transforms lives, disrupts poverty and nourishes communities through food, life skills and job training. That’s our mission. Over the past 48 hours, you’ve learned about it and seen our work in action through social media. Every day, FareStart works to fulfill its mission and make a difference in the community. - FareStart transforms lives by providing basic necessities and important wraparound services for students in our job training programs. - FareStart graduates like Chelsea are finding the confidence and skills they need to transform their lives and move out of poverty. - FareStart's Mobile Community Market nourishes communities by making fresh produce available and affordable in underserved and low-income areas. None of this is possible without your support. All GiveBig gifts to FareStart up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling your impact! Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
  • Through FareStart’s Mobile Community Market, we establish a reliable presence that brings fresh food, staples and seasonal produce to underserved and low-income communities. Without our market, accessing fresh produce is challenging and expensive, forcing many people to go without. With the support of our community, our Mobile Community Market has: - Served over 7,000 households in 2023. - Distributed 284,000 pounds of food to food-insecure communities since 2021. - Held more than 300 community markets since 2021. Your gift today supports FareStart programs like this that work to nourish those in our community who need it most. All gifts to FareStart up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
  • “I’m profoundly grateful for the transformation I underwent at FareStart. This exceptional organization did more than teach me culinary arts. It empowered me to reshape my life and to positively impact those around me with the skills I gained. I learned about the power of teamwork and grace in the face of unforeseen hurdles. The kitchen was a road full of trials and of self-doubt, but alongside my peers, I found the courage and resolve within me. FareStart was a launchpad for personal transformation, offering me a second chance and a fresh start.” - Chelsea, FareStart Graduate FareStart transforms lives, disrupts poverty and nourishes communities through food, life skills and job training. Our programs provide job and life skills that help break the cycle of poverty many of our students experience. When you support FareStart, you support people like Chelsea who found the support and confidence they needed to begin a new path forward. Don’t forget all #GiveBig gifts to FareStart up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
  • “In looking at the whole person, it’s really important to understand all the other pillars and foundational things that they need to keep their lives stable, so that once they find employment, they can stay employed,” says Thomas (he/him), FareStart Student Support Manager. At FareStart, we see the potential in every student. Our programs are built to give students the foundation they need to be successful, in and out of the kitchen. FareStart helps transform students’ lives and gain stability by supporting necessities like food, housing, clothing, health care access, recovery support, legal aid and more. Without your support, FareStart would not be able to offer comprehensive programs that lay the foundation for student success. Thanks to several generous donors, $100,000 of gifts made to FareStart through #GiveBIG will be matched --- increasing the impact of each dollar. Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
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“It’s very nice. I’m very happy. This helps me and my family.” -- Olesia, a FareStart Mobile Community Market customer from Kurdistan who cares for her elderly parents. Late last month, we kicked off the start of FareStart's 2024 Mobile Community Market season, which provides fresh produce and other staples between April and October. FareStart’s mobile market launched as a pilot project in 2021 during the pandemic. This year, we are continuing to evolve the market to make it more financially sustainable while continuing to advance food security among communities with limited access to healthy and nutritious food. FareStart students are also gaining valuable job skills as they help prep and package produce in our kitchens, which will be distributed via the market. In 2024, we expect to sell and distribute nearly 100,000 pounds of food to 7,000 households. Thanks to our partners for their support in nourishing communities: @oxbowcenter, @21acres, @carnationfarms, @soundsustainablefarms, @tbuggarden, @RESCUEorg, @newroots_seattle, @aashFarms, @ecolibriumfarms, @rfharvest, @healthpoint_chc, @virginiamasonfranciscanhealth, @ymcaseattle, Clark R Smith Family Foundation, Coordinated Care, Linden Rhoads, Washington State Department of Agriculture You can learn more about our Mobile Community Market by clicking the FareStart News link in our bio. #FareStart #FoodSecurity #FarmersMarket #CommunityMarket
“It’s very nice. I’m very happy. This helps me and my family.” -- Olesia, a FareStart Mobile Community Market customer from Kurdistan who cares for her elderly parents. Late last month, we kicked off the start of FareStart's 2024 Mobile Community Market season, which provides fresh produce and other staples between April and October. FareStart’s mobile market launched as a pilot project in 2021 during the pandemic. This year, we are continuing to evolve the market to make it more financially sustainable while continuing to advance food security among communities with limited access to healthy and nutritious food. FareStart students are also gaining valuable job skills as they help prep and package produce in our kitchens, which will be distributed via the market. In 2024, we expect to sell and distribute nearly 100,000 pounds of food to 7,000 households. Thanks to our partners for their support in nourishing communities: @oxbowcenter, @21acres, @carnationfarms, @soundsustainablefarms, @tbuggarden, @RESCUEorg, @newroots_seattle, @aashFarms, @ecolibriumfarms, @rfharvest, @healthpoint_chc, @virginiamasonfranciscanhealth, @ymcaseattle, Clark R Smith Family Foundation, Coordinated Care, Linden Rhoads, Washington State Department of Agriculture You can learn more about our Mobile Community Market by clicking the FareStart News link in our bio. #FareStart #FoodSecurity #FarmersMarket #CommunityMarket
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“It’s very nice. I’m very happy. This helps me and my family.” -- Olesia, a FareStart Mobile Community Market customer from Kurdistan who cares for her elderly parents. Late last month, we kicked off the start of FareStart's 2024 Mobile Community Market season, which provides fresh produce and other staples between April and October. FareStart’s mobile market launched as a pilot project in 2021 during the pandemic. This year, we are continuing to evolve the market to make it more financially sustainable while continuing to advance food security among communities with limited access to healthy and nutritious food. FareStart students are also gaining valuable job skills as they help prep and package produce in our kitchens, which will be distributed via the market. In 2024, we expect to sell and distribute nearly 100,000 pounds of food to 7,000 households. Thanks to our partners for their support in nourishing communities: @oxbowcenter, @21acres, @carnationfarms, @soundsustainablefarms, @tbuggarden, @RESCUEorg, @newroots_seattle, @aashFarms, @ecolibriumfarms, @rfharvest, @healthpoint_chc, @virginiamasonfranciscanhealth, @ymcaseattle, Clark R Smith Family Foundation, Coordinated Care, Linden Rhoads, Washington State Department of Agriculture You can learn more about our Mobile Community Market by clicking the FareStart News link in our bio. #FareStart #FoodSecurity #FarmersMarket #CommunityMarket
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
There’s still time to #GiveBig! FareStart transforms lives, disrupts poverty and nourishes communities through food, life skills and job training. That’s our mission. Over the past 48 hours, you’ve learned about it and seen our work in action through social media. Every day, FareStart works to fulfill its mission and make a difference in the community. - FareStart transforms lives by providing basic necessities and important wraparound services for students in our job training programs. - FareStart graduates like Chelsea are finding the confidence and skills they need to transform their lives and move out of poverty. - FareStart's Mobile Community Market nourishes communities by making fresh produce available and affordable in underserved and low-income areas. None of this is possible without your support. All GiveBig gifts to FareStart up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling your impact! Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
There’s still time to #GiveBig! FareStart transforms lives, disrupts poverty and nourishes communities through food, life skills and job training. That’s our mission. Over the past 48 hours, you’ve learned about it and seen our work in action through social media. Every day, FareStart works to fulfill its mission and make a difference in the community. - FareStart transforms lives by providing basic necessities and important wraparound services for students in our job training programs. - FareStart graduates like Chelsea are finding the confidence and skills they need to transform their lives and move out of poverty. - FareStart's Mobile Community Market nourishes communities by making fresh produce available and affordable in underserved and low-income areas. None of this is possible without your support. All GiveBig gifts to FareStart up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling your impact! Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
@_farestart
@_farestart
•
Follow
There’s still time to #GiveBig! FareStart transforms lives, disrupts poverty and nourishes communities through food, life skills and job training. That’s our mission. Over the past 48 hours, you’ve learned about it and seen our work in action through social media. Every day, FareStart works to fulfill its mission and make a difference in the community. - FareStart transforms lives by providing basic necessities and important wraparound services for students in our job training programs. - FareStart graduates like Chelsea are finding the confidence and skills they need to transform their lives and move out of poverty. - FareStart's Mobile Community Market nourishes communities by making fresh produce available and affordable in underserved and low-income areas. None of this is possible without your support. All GiveBig gifts to FareStart up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling your impact! Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
Through FareStart’s Mobile Community Market, we establish a reliable presence that brings fresh food, staples and seasonal produce to underserved and low-income communities. Without our market, accessing fresh produce is challenging and expensive, forcing many people to go without. With the support of our community, our Mobile Community Market has: - Served over 7,000 households in 2023. - Distributed 284,000 pounds of food to food-insecure communities since 2021. - Held more than 300 community markets since 2021. Your gift today supports FareStart programs like this that work to nourish those in our community who need it most. All gifts to FareStart up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
Through FareStart’s Mobile Community Market, we establish a reliable presence that brings fresh food, staples and seasonal produce to underserved and low-income communities. Without our market, accessing fresh produce is challenging and expensive, forcing many people to go without. With the support of our community, our Mobile Community Market has: - Served over 7,000 households in 2023. - Distributed 284,000 pounds of food to food-insecure communities since 2021. - Held more than 300 community markets since 2021. Your gift today supports FareStart programs like this that work to nourish those in our community who need it most. All gifts to FareStart up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
@_farestart
@_farestart
•
Follow
Through FareStart’s Mobile Community Market, we establish a reliable presence that brings fresh food, staples and seasonal produce to underserved and low-income communities. Without our market, accessing fresh produce is challenging and expensive, forcing many people to go without. With the support of our community, our Mobile Community Market has: - Served over 7,000 households in 2023. - Distributed 284,000 pounds of food to food-insecure communities since 2021. - Held more than 300 community markets since 2021. Your gift today supports FareStart programs like this that work to nourish those in our community who need it most. All gifts to FareStart up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
“I’m profoundly grateful for the transformation I underwent at FareStart. This exceptional organization did more than teach me culinary arts. It empowered me to reshape my life and to positively impact those around me with the skills I gained. I learned about the power of teamwork and grace in the face of unforeseen hurdles. The kitchen was a road full of trials and of self-doubt, but alongside my peers, I found the courage and resolve within me. FareStart was a launchpad for personal transformation, offering me a second chance and a fresh start.” - Chelsea, FareStart Graduate FareStart transforms lives, disrupts poverty and nourishes communities through food, life skills and job training. Our programs provide job and life skills that help break the cycle of poverty many of our students experience. When you support FareStart, you support people like Chelsea who found the support and confidence they needed to begin a new path forward. Don’t forget all #GiveBig gifts to FareStart up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
“I’m profoundly grateful for the transformation I underwent at FareStart. This exceptional organization did more than teach me culinary arts. It empowered me to reshape my life and to positively impact those around me with the skills I gained. I learned about the power of teamwork and grace in the face of unforeseen hurdles. The kitchen was a road full of trials and of self-doubt, but alongside my peers, I found the courage and resolve within me. FareStart was a launchpad for personal transformation, offering me a second chance and a fresh start.” - Chelsea, FareStart Graduate FareStart transforms lives, disrupts poverty and nourishes communities through food, life skills and job training. Our programs provide job and life skills that help break the cycle of poverty many of our students experience. When you support FareStart, you support people like Chelsea who found the support and confidence they needed to begin a new path forward. Don’t forget all #GiveBig gifts to FareStart up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
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Follow
“I’m profoundly grateful for the transformation I underwent at FareStart. This exceptional organization did more than teach me culinary arts. It empowered me to reshape my life and to positively impact those around me with the skills I gained. I learned about the power of teamwork and grace in the face of unforeseen hurdles. The kitchen was a road full of trials and of self-doubt, but alongside my peers, I found the courage and resolve within me. FareStart was a launchpad for personal transformation, offering me a second chance and a fresh start.” - Chelsea, FareStart Graduate FareStart transforms lives, disrupts poverty and nourishes communities through food, life skills and job training. Our programs provide job and life skills that help break the cycle of poverty many of our students experience. When you support FareStart, you support people like Chelsea who found the support and confidence they needed to begin a new path forward. Don’t forget all #GiveBig gifts to FareStart up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
“In looking at the whole person, it’s really important to understand all the other pillars and foundational things that they need to keep their lives stable, so that once they find employment, they can stay employed,” says Thomas (he/him), FareStart Student Support Manager. At FareStart, we see the potential in every student. Our programs are built to give students the foundation they need to be successful, in and out of the kitchen. FareStart helps transform students’ lives and gain stability by supporting necessities like food, housing, clothing, health care access, recovery support, legal aid and more. Without your support, FareStart would not be able to offer comprehensive programs that lay the foundation for student success. Thanks to several generous donors, $100,000 of gifts made to FareStart through #GiveBIG will be matched --- increasing the impact of each dollar. Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
“In looking at the whole person, it’s really important to understand all the other pillars and foundational things that they need to keep their lives stable, so that once they find employment, they can stay employed,” says Thomas (he/him), FareStart Student Support Manager. At FareStart, we see the potential in every student. Our programs are built to give students the foundation they need to be successful, in and out of the kitchen. FareStart helps transform students’ lives and gain stability by supporting necessities like food, housing, clothing, health care access, recovery support, legal aid and more. Without your support, FareStart would not be able to offer comprehensive programs that lay the foundation for student success. Thanks to several generous donors, $100,000 of gifts made to FareStart through #GiveBIG will be matched --- increasing the impact of each dollar. Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
@_farestart
@_farestart
•
Follow
“In looking at the whole person, it’s really important to understand all the other pillars and foundational things that they need to keep their lives stable, so that once they find employment, they can stay employed,” says Thomas (he/him), FareStart Student Support Manager. At FareStart, we see the potential in every student. Our programs are built to give students the foundation they need to be successful, in and out of the kitchen. FareStart helps transform students’ lives and gain stability by supporting necessities like food, housing, clothing, health care access, recovery support, legal aid and more. Without your support, FareStart would not be able to offer comprehensive programs that lay the foundation for student success. Thanks to several generous donors, $100,000 of gifts made to FareStart through #GiveBIG will be matched --- increasing the impact of each dollar. Link in bio. @wagives #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodSecurity #GiveBIG #ThatGivingFeeling
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/5

How you can help

There are many ways to support our mission. With your help, FareStart is transforming lives, disrupting poverty and nourishing communities through food, life skills and job training.

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