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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 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.

7,891

students enrolled

Nearly 8,000 students have enrolled in FareStart job training programs since 1992, working to support themselves and their families.

68%

job placement rate

On average, 68% of adult students have secured jobs within 90 days of graduating from our job training programs since 1992.

20M

Meals prepared

Since 1992, we have prepared 20 million meals for local nonprofits, shelters, respite centers, youth and adult daycare centers and schools.

358

Organizations Impacted

Over the past 20+ years, we have consulted with over 350 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.

  • Lunch is ready, even when time is short. Stop by FareStart Restaurant for grab-and-go lunch options, plus breakfast, pastries and drinks, ready throughout your day. #FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #GrabAndGo #SeattleLunch #SeattleEats
  • At @carnationfarms, volunteers harvested more than 200 pounds of lettuce for use in FareStart’s Community & School Meals Program. Efforts like this reduce food waste, support regional growers and help increase access to fresh, nutritious and culturally relevant food. Our thanks to Carnation Farms and the volunteers who brought this produce from the field to FareStart. There’s more to harvest this season. Join an upcoming volunteer opportunity: https://www.farestart.org/volunteer/ #FareStart #Volunteer #CarnationFarms
  • More than 260 golfers hit the greens at The Golf Club at Newcastle for the 25th Annual Amazon Golf Tournament! ⛳ Together, players, sponsors and supporters raised more than $280,000 to support FareStart’s job training programs and help create pathways to employment and economic mobility. “This year’s tournament marks a special milestone — our 25th annual event in Amazon’s history. Things really took off when we teamed up with FareStart several years ago, and that partnership has only made this event better every year since,” said Jake Iwen, Amazon Golf Committee Member. Over the past six years, the tournament has raised more than $1.8 million in support of FareStart’s mission. Thank you to the 50+ volunteers who helped make the day possible, along with the players, partners and sponsors; including AMD/@amazonwebservices, All in Brand Experiences, @Avis/@bcdtravel, @dicksdrivein, @bushnellgolf, @delta, DSPcell.com, @lulyyangcouture, @voiceERP, @weareactalent/@astoncartersolutions, @bagboygolf, @cardataus, @connecteamapp, @equifaxinc, @fidelityinvestments, @molexconnectors, @ogletreedeakins, @pinecrestgroup, @slalomseattle, @tmobileforbusiness, @totaltalentadvisors, @verizonbusiness and @vicegolfx Cobra Puma Golf, who continue to support this annual event. Read more about this year’s tournament at the News link in bio. #FareStart #Golf4FareStart #Fundraiser #Seattle
  • You won’t want to miss our fall Guest Chef Nights! Join us as some of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated chefs step into the FareStart kitchen for evenings of exceptional food, community and purpose.   We’re excited to welcome back longtime friends and open our kitchen to new chefs joining the lineup for the first time.     Fall Guest Chef Night Lineup:      Oct 1: Chef James Huffman, Canlis     Oct 15: Chef Devon Capocelli, Mezzanotte   Nov 5: Chefs Trinh & Thai Nguyen, Ba Sa & @ramieseattle     Nov 19: Chef Aaron Tekulve, Surrell   Dec 3: Chef Rachel Yang, @joulerestaurant, @revelseattle   These events have been selling out, so we recommend grabbing your tickets early. Tickets are available at OpenTable as well as our website.   There are still tickets for these Guest Chefs Nights as well:     Aug 27: Chef José Garzón, @badchancla     Sept 24: Chefs Brian Clevenger and chef Ricardo Cruz Mendoza, @generalharvestseattle & @vendemmiaseattle   See Guest Chef Night link in bio.     A big thank you to @seattletimes for helping us spread the word!     #FareStart #GuestChefNight #JobTraining #TransformingLives #EatLocal
  • We asked Chef Claudette Zepeda what it takes to build a career in food. She joined FareStart students for a candid conversation about work ethic, leadership, community and finding your path in the culinary industry. We’re grateful to Chef Claudette for spending time with the FareStart community. And thank you to Matt Oppenheimer of Remitly  for donating 100 copies of her new cookbook, Cooking the Borderlands, for FareStart students and staff. Watch the full conversation on YouTube. 🎥 Link in Bio #FareStart #ClaudetteZepeda #JobTraining #TransformingLives
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Lunch is ready, even when time is short. Stop by FareStart Restaurant for grab-and-go lunch options, plus breakfast, pastries and drinks, ready throughout your day. #FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #GrabAndGo #SeattleLunch #SeattleEats
Lunch is ready, even when time is short. Stop by FareStart Restaurant for grab-and-go lunch options, plus breakfast, pastries and drinks, ready throughout your day. #FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #GrabAndGo #SeattleLunch #SeattleEats
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Lunch is ready, even when time is short. Stop by FareStart Restaurant for grab-and-go lunch options, plus breakfast, pastries and drinks, ready throughout your day. #FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #GrabAndGo #SeattleLunch #SeattleEats
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
At @carnationfarms, volunteers harvested more than 200 pounds of lettuce for use in FareStart’s Community & School Meals Program. Efforts like this reduce food waste, support regional growers and help increase access to fresh, nutritious and culturally relevant food. Our thanks to Carnation Farms and the volunteers who brought this produce from the field to FareStart. There’s more to harvest this season. Join an upcoming volunteer opportunity: https://www.farestart.org/volunteer/ #FareStart #Volunteer #CarnationFarms
At @carnationfarms, volunteers harvested more than 200 pounds of lettuce for use in FareStart’s Community & School Meals Program. Efforts like this reduce food waste, support regional growers and help increase access to fresh, nutritious and culturally relevant food. Our thanks to Carnation Farms and the volunteers who brought this produce from the field to FareStart. There’s more to harvest this season. Join an upcoming volunteer opportunity: https://www.farestart.org/volunteer/ #FareStart #Volunteer #CarnationFarms
At @carnationfarms, volunteers harvested more than 200 pounds of lettuce for use in FareStart’s Community & School Meals Program. Efforts like this reduce food waste, support regional growers and help increase access to fresh, nutritious and culturally relevant food. Our thanks to Carnation Farms and the volunteers who brought this produce from the field to FareStart. There’s more to harvest this season. Join an upcoming volunteer opportunity: https://www.farestart.org/volunteer/ #FareStart #Volunteer #CarnationFarms
@_farestart
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•
Follow
At @carnationfarms, volunteers harvested more than 200 pounds of lettuce for use in FareStart’s Community & School Meals Program. Efforts like this reduce food waste, support regional growers and help increase access to fresh, nutritious and culturally relevant food. Our thanks to Carnation Farms and the volunteers who brought this produce from the field to FareStart. There’s more to harvest this season. Join an upcoming volunteer opportunity: https://www.farestart.org/volunteer/ #FareStart #Volunteer #CarnationFarms
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
More than 260 golfers hit the greens at The Golf Club at Newcastle for the 25th Annual Amazon Golf Tournament! ⛳ Together, players, sponsors and supporters raised more than $280,000 to support FareStart’s job training programs and help create pathways to employment and economic mobility. “This year’s tournament marks a special milestone — our 25th annual event in Amazon’s history. Things really took off when we teamed up with FareStart several years ago, and that partnership has only made this event better every year since,” said Jake Iwen, Amazon Golf Committee Member. Over the past six years, the tournament has raised more than $1.8 million in support of FareStart’s mission. Thank you to the 50+ volunteers who helped make the day possible, along with the players, partners and sponsors; including AMD/@amazonwebservices, All in Brand Experiences, @Avis/@bcdtravel, @dicksdrivein, @bushnellgolf, @delta, DSPcell.com, @lulyyangcouture, @voiceERP, @weareactalent/@astoncartersolutions, @bagboygolf, @cardataus, @connecteamapp, @equifaxinc, @fidelityinvestments, @molexconnectors, @ogletreedeakins, @pinecrestgroup, @slalomseattle, @tmobileforbusiness, @totaltalentadvisors, @verizonbusiness and @vicegolfx Cobra Puma Golf, who continue to support this annual event. Read more about this year’s tournament at the News link in bio. #FareStart #Golf4FareStart #Fundraiser #Seattle
More than 260 golfers hit the greens at The Golf Club at Newcastle for the 25th Annual Amazon Golf Tournament! ⛳ Together, players, sponsors and supporters raised more than $280,000 to support FareStart’s job training programs and help create pathways to employment and economic mobility. “This year’s tournament marks a special milestone — our 25th annual event in Amazon’s history. Things really took off when we teamed up with FareStart several years ago, and that partnership has only made this event better every year since,” said Jake Iwen, Amazon Golf Committee Member. Over the past six years, the tournament has raised more than $1.8 million in support of FareStart’s mission. Thank you to the 50+ volunteers who helped make the day possible, along with the players, partners and sponsors; including AMD/@amazonwebservices, All in Brand Experiences, @Avis/@bcdtravel, @dicksdrivein, @bushnellgolf, @delta, DSPcell.com, @lulyyangcouture, @voiceERP, @weareactalent/@astoncartersolutions, @bagboygolf, @cardataus, @connecteamapp, @equifaxinc, @fidelityinvestments, @molexconnectors, @ogletreedeakins, @pinecrestgroup, @slalomseattle, @tmobileforbusiness, @totaltalentadvisors, @verizonbusiness and @vicegolfx Cobra Puma Golf, who continue to support this annual event. Read more about this year’s tournament at the News link in bio. #FareStart #Golf4FareStart #Fundraiser #Seattle
More than 260 golfers hit the greens at The Golf Club at Newcastle for the 25th Annual Amazon Golf Tournament! ⛳ Together, players, sponsors and supporters raised more than $280,000 to support FareStart’s job training programs and help create pathways to employment and economic mobility. “This year’s tournament marks a special milestone — our 25th annual event in Amazon’s history. Things really took off when we teamed up with FareStart several years ago, and that partnership has only made this event better every year since,” said Jake Iwen, Amazon Golf Committee Member. Over the past six years, the tournament has raised more than $1.8 million in support of FareStart’s mission. Thank you to the 50+ volunteers who helped make the day possible, along with the players, partners and sponsors; including AMD/@amazonwebservices, All in Brand Experiences, @Avis/@bcdtravel, @dicksdrivein, @bushnellgolf, @delta, DSPcell.com, @lulyyangcouture, @voiceERP, @weareactalent/@astoncartersolutions, @bagboygolf, @cardataus, @connecteamapp, @equifaxinc, @fidelityinvestments, @molexconnectors, @ogletreedeakins, @pinecrestgroup, @slalomseattle, @tmobileforbusiness, @totaltalentadvisors, @verizonbusiness and @vicegolfx Cobra Puma Golf, who continue to support this annual event. Read more about this year’s tournament at the News link in bio. #FareStart #Golf4FareStart #Fundraiser #Seattle
More than 260 golfers hit the greens at The Golf Club at Newcastle for the 25th Annual Amazon Golf Tournament! ⛳ Together, players, sponsors and supporters raised more than $280,000 to support FareStart’s job training programs and help create pathways to employment and economic mobility. “This year’s tournament marks a special milestone — our 25th annual event in Amazon’s history. Things really took off when we teamed up with FareStart several years ago, and that partnership has only made this event better every year since,” said Jake Iwen, Amazon Golf Committee Member. Over the past six years, the tournament has raised more than $1.8 million in support of FareStart’s mission. Thank you to the 50+ volunteers who helped make the day possible, along with the players, partners and sponsors; including AMD/@amazonwebservices, All in Brand Experiences, @Avis/@bcdtravel, @dicksdrivein, @bushnellgolf, @delta, DSPcell.com, @lulyyangcouture, @voiceERP, @weareactalent/@astoncartersolutions, @bagboygolf, @cardataus, @connecteamapp, @equifaxinc, @fidelityinvestments, @molexconnectors, @ogletreedeakins, @pinecrestgroup, @slalomseattle, @tmobileforbusiness, @totaltalentadvisors, @verizonbusiness and @vicegolfx Cobra Puma Golf, who continue to support this annual event. Read more about this year’s tournament at the News link in bio. #FareStart #Golf4FareStart #Fundraiser #Seattle
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More than 260 golfers hit the greens at The Golf Club at Newcastle for the 25th Annual Amazon Golf Tournament! ⛳ Together, players, sponsors and supporters raised more than $280,000 to support FareStart’s job training programs and help create pathways to employment and economic mobility. “This year’s tournament marks a special milestone — our 25th annual event in Amazon’s history. Things really took off when we teamed up with FareStart several years ago, and that partnership has only made this event better every year since,” said Jake Iwen, Amazon Golf Committee Member. Over the past six years, the tournament has raised more than $1.8 million in support of FareStart’s mission. Thank you to the 50+ volunteers who helped make the day possible, along with the players, partners and sponsors; including AMD/@amazonwebservices, All in Brand Experiences, @Avis/@bcdtravel, @dicksdrivein, @bushnellgolf, @delta, DSPcell.com, @lulyyangcouture, @voiceERP, @weareactalent/@astoncartersolutions, @bagboygolf, @cardataus, @connecteamapp, @equifaxinc, @fidelityinvestments, @molexconnectors, @ogletreedeakins, @pinecrestgroup, @slalomseattle, @tmobileforbusiness, @totaltalentadvisors, @verizonbusiness and @vicegolfx Cobra Puma Golf, who continue to support this annual event. Read more about this year’s tournament at the News link in bio. #FareStart #Golf4FareStart #Fundraiser #Seattle
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
You won’t want to miss our fall Guest Chef Nights! Join us as some of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated chefs step into the FareStart kitchen for evenings of exceptional food, community and purpose.   We’re excited to welcome back longtime friends and open our kitchen to new chefs joining the lineup for the first time.     Fall Guest Chef Night Lineup:      Oct 1: Chef James Huffman, Canlis     Oct 15: Chef Devon Capocelli, Mezzanotte   Nov 5: Chefs Trinh & Thai Nguyen, Ba Sa & @ramieseattle     Nov 19: Chef Aaron Tekulve, Surrell   Dec 3: Chef Rachel Yang, @joulerestaurant, @revelseattle   These events have been selling out, so we recommend grabbing your tickets early. Tickets are available at OpenTable as well as our website.   There are still tickets for these Guest Chefs Nights as well:     Aug 27: Chef José Garzón, @badchancla     Sept 24: Chefs Brian Clevenger and chef Ricardo Cruz Mendoza, @generalharvestseattle & @vendemmiaseattle   See Guest Chef Night link in bio.     A big thank you to @seattletimes for helping us spread the word!     #FareStart #GuestChefNight #JobTraining #TransformingLives #EatLocal
You won’t want to miss our fall Guest Chef Nights! Join us as some of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated chefs step into the FareStart kitchen for evenings of exceptional food, community and purpose.   We’re excited to welcome back longtime friends and open our kitchen to new chefs joining the lineup for the first time.     Fall Guest Chef Night Lineup:      Oct 1: Chef James Huffman, Canlis     Oct 15: Chef Devon Capocelli, Mezzanotte   Nov 5: Chefs Trinh & Thai Nguyen, Ba Sa & @ramieseattle     Nov 19: Chef Aaron Tekulve, Surrell   Dec 3: Chef Rachel Yang, @joulerestaurant, @revelseattle   These events have been selling out, so we recommend grabbing your tickets early. Tickets are available at OpenTable as well as our website.   There are still tickets for these Guest Chefs Nights as well:     Aug 27: Chef José Garzón, @badchancla     Sept 24: Chefs Brian Clevenger and chef Ricardo Cruz Mendoza, @generalharvestseattle & @vendemmiaseattle   See Guest Chef Night link in bio.     A big thank you to @seattletimes for helping us spread the word!     #FareStart #GuestChefNight #JobTraining #TransformingLives #EatLocal
You won’t want to miss our fall Guest Chef Nights! Join us as some of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated chefs step into the FareStart kitchen for evenings of exceptional food, community and purpose.   We’re excited to welcome back longtime friends and open our kitchen to new chefs joining the lineup for the first time.     Fall Guest Chef Night Lineup:      Oct 1: Chef James Huffman, Canlis     Oct 15: Chef Devon Capocelli, Mezzanotte   Nov 5: Chefs Trinh & Thai Nguyen, Ba Sa & @ramieseattle     Nov 19: Chef Aaron Tekulve, Surrell   Dec 3: Chef Rachel Yang, @joulerestaurant, @revelseattle   These events have been selling out, so we recommend grabbing your tickets early. Tickets are available at OpenTable as well as our website.   There are still tickets for these Guest Chefs Nights as well:     Aug 27: Chef José Garzón, @badchancla     Sept 24: Chefs Brian Clevenger and chef Ricardo Cruz Mendoza, @generalharvestseattle & @vendemmiaseattle   See Guest Chef Night link in bio.     A big thank you to @seattletimes for helping us spread the word!     #FareStart #GuestChefNight #JobTraining #TransformingLives #EatLocal
You won’t want to miss our fall Guest Chef Nights! Join us as some of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated chefs step into the FareStart kitchen for evenings of exceptional food, community and purpose.   We’re excited to welcome back longtime friends and open our kitchen to new chefs joining the lineup for the first time.     Fall Guest Chef Night Lineup:      Oct 1: Chef James Huffman, Canlis     Oct 15: Chef Devon Capocelli, Mezzanotte   Nov 5: Chefs Trinh & Thai Nguyen, Ba Sa & @ramieseattle     Nov 19: Chef Aaron Tekulve, Surrell   Dec 3: Chef Rachel Yang, @joulerestaurant, @revelseattle   These events have been selling out, so we recommend grabbing your tickets early. Tickets are available at OpenTable as well as our website.   There are still tickets for these Guest Chefs Nights as well:     Aug 27: Chef José Garzón, @badchancla     Sept 24: Chefs Brian Clevenger and chef Ricardo Cruz Mendoza, @generalharvestseattle & @vendemmiaseattle   See Guest Chef Night link in bio.     A big thank you to @seattletimes for helping us spread the word!     #FareStart #GuestChefNight #JobTraining #TransformingLives #EatLocal
You won’t want to miss our fall Guest Chef Nights! Join us as some of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated chefs step into the FareStart kitchen for evenings of exceptional food, community and purpose.   We’re excited to welcome back longtime friends and open our kitchen to new chefs joining the lineup for the first time.     Fall Guest Chef Night Lineup:      Oct 1: Chef James Huffman, Canlis     Oct 15: Chef Devon Capocelli, Mezzanotte   Nov 5: Chefs Trinh & Thai Nguyen, Ba Sa & @ramieseattle     Nov 19: Chef Aaron Tekulve, Surrell   Dec 3: Chef Rachel Yang, @joulerestaurant, @revelseattle   These events have been selling out, so we recommend grabbing your tickets early. Tickets are available at OpenTable as well as our website.   There are still tickets for these Guest Chefs Nights as well:     Aug 27: Chef José Garzón, @badchancla     Sept 24: Chefs Brian Clevenger and chef Ricardo Cruz Mendoza, @generalharvestseattle & @vendemmiaseattle   See Guest Chef Night link in bio.     A big thank you to @seattletimes for helping us spread the word!     #FareStart #GuestChefNight #JobTraining #TransformingLives #EatLocal
You won’t want to miss our fall Guest Chef Nights! Join us as some of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated chefs step into the FareStart kitchen for evenings of exceptional food, community and purpose.   We’re excited to welcome back longtime friends and open our kitchen to new chefs joining the lineup for the first time.     Fall Guest Chef Night Lineup:      Oct 1: Chef James Huffman, Canlis     Oct 15: Chef Devon Capocelli, Mezzanotte   Nov 5: Chefs Trinh & Thai Nguyen, Ba Sa & @ramieseattle     Nov 19: Chef Aaron Tekulve, Surrell   Dec 3: Chef Rachel Yang, @joulerestaurant, @revelseattle   These events have been selling out, so we recommend grabbing your tickets early. Tickets are available at OpenTable as well as our website.   There are still tickets for these Guest Chefs Nights as well:     Aug 27: Chef José Garzón, @badchancla     Sept 24: Chefs Brian Clevenger and chef Ricardo Cruz Mendoza, @generalharvestseattle & @vendemmiaseattle   See Guest Chef Night link in bio.     A big thank you to @seattletimes for helping us spread the word!     #FareStart #GuestChefNight #JobTraining #TransformingLives #EatLocal
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You won’t want to miss our fall Guest Chef Nights! Join us as some of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated chefs step into the FareStart kitchen for evenings of exceptional food, community and purpose.   We’re excited to welcome back longtime friends and open our kitchen to new chefs joining the lineup for the first time.     Fall Guest Chef Night Lineup:      Oct 1: Chef James Huffman, Canlis     Oct 15: Chef Devon Capocelli, Mezzanotte   Nov 5: Chefs Trinh & Thai Nguyen, Ba Sa & @ramieseattle     Nov 19: Chef Aaron Tekulve, Surrell   Dec 3: Chef Rachel Yang, @joulerestaurant, @revelseattle   These events have been selling out, so we recommend grabbing your tickets early. Tickets are available at OpenTable as well as our website.   There are still tickets for these Guest Chefs Nights as well:     Aug 27: Chef José Garzón, @badchancla     Sept 24: Chefs Brian Clevenger and chef Ricardo Cruz Mendoza, @generalharvestseattle & @vendemmiaseattle   See Guest Chef Night link in bio.     A big thank you to @seattletimes for helping us spread the word!     #FareStart #GuestChefNight #JobTraining #TransformingLives #EatLocal
1 week ago
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4/5
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We asked Chef Claudette Zepeda what it takes to build a career in food. She joined FareStart students for a candid conversation about work ethic, leadership, community and finding your path in the culinary industry. We’re grateful to Chef Claudette for spending time with the FareStart community. And thank you to Matt Oppenheimer of Remitly  for donating 100 copies of her new cookbook, Cooking the Borderlands, for FareStart students and staff. Watch the full conversation on YouTube. 🎥 Link in Bio #FareStart #ClaudetteZepeda #JobTraining #TransformingLives
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/5

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