With Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at risk of ending starting November 1st, and the holiday season upon us, we want to ensure everyone in our community has the support they need. Here is a list of resources and how you can help.

Looking for assistance

If your family needs assistance, please reach out to Ms. Tanya. The PTSA’s Family Resource Committee is working closely with the school to provide additional resources. The school can help. Below is a list of local food pantries and resources:

• Launch, our onsite afterschool and preschool program, has put together a list of food resources for November. They will have a food pantry at each of their sites (including Madrona Elementary) that is stocked with both perishable and nonperishable items, available to all families. They will also provide grocery store gift cards (QFC, Safeway, Albertsons, and Fred Meyer) upon request.

• Central Area Food Bank at the YMCA on Cherry

• Byrd Barr Place on 18th

• Polack Food Bank on 16th

• Seattle Public School’s list of food resources

Donate

Here are all the ways you can donate:

1. You can donate directly to the PTSA’s Family Resource Committee who is working in tandem with the school to ensure all of our Madrona families are receiving the assistance they need. Thank you to our generous community members who have already donated!

2. Donate to a local community organization’s dedicated fundraising drive:

   • Launch’s SNAP Emergency Food Fund (every dollar goes directly toward purchasing food at Launch’s Free Pantries at each site and/or grocery gift cards)

   • Jewish Family Services “No One Should go Hungry” fund (providing $150 grocery gift cards to the nearly 1,300 clients who have the greatest need for food assistance)

3. Donate food items directly to one of our local food banks (listed above).

4. Participate in a local food drive:

• Madrona Elementary will be hosting a food drive in November (more details to come)!

• Donate perishable and non-perishable food items to Launch’s food pantry at Madrona Elementary. The most needed items include:

  Protein 

  • Canned tuna, salmon, and chicken 

  • Nut butters 

  • Canned or dried beans and lentils 

  • Jerky 

  Grains and Pasta 

  • Rice, pasta, and jarred pasta sauce 

  • Oatmeal 

  Fruits and Vegetables 

  • Canned or fresh fruits and vegetables 

  Pantry Staples 

  • Cooking oil, flour, and sugar 

  • Herbs and spices 

  • Instant coffee and tea 

  Easy, Non-Perishable Meals 

  • Hearty canned soups, chili, and stews 

  • Boxed macaroni and cheese 

  Healthy Snacks 

  • Granola bars, bagged popcorn, dried fruit, and nuts 

  Fresh Foods 

  • Milk, fresh fruits and veggies, and fresh meats 
    (Please coordinate with your site manager so perishable foods can be distributed promptly.) 

  Pre-Made Meals

  • Easy to freeze and/or already frozen. If homemade, must include a full list of ingredients and reheating instructions

  (Please coordinate with the Launch site manager so perishable foods can be distributed promptly.) 

Volunteer

There are many ways to volunteer with our local community organizations who are working around the clock to support our neighbors. Feel free to use our class WhatsApp groups to connect with other parents to organize a volunteer group.

• Organize a volunteer group to help sort and pack food through Food Lifeline.

• Distribute food to our neighbors by volunteering at the Jewish Family Services local food bank or home delivery program.