July 30

Meals with a Mission

FareStart continues its effort to fight homelessness, poverty, and hunger.

In 2018, more people reached out to FareStart looking for a way out of poverty and homelessness than ever before. The beloved organization provides culinary job training to youth and adults, apprenticeships, community and school meals, and much more. Despite the need for services being at an all-time high, FareStart had its highest job placement rate in its 27 years of operation.

Aside from its mission, FareStart is mostly known for its Guest Chef Night program at its recently refreshed FareStart Restaurant. A who’s who of local chefs join FareStart students in preparing a three-course meal for $29.95 every Thursday. The program has raised more than $6.2 million since 1992.

FareStart has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years. The organization has added Maslow’s by FareStart (a New American restaurant in SLU; don’t miss its expanded happy hour from 3­–9pm), Rise (a coffee shop in Amazon’s Houdini North lobby), and Café @ Pac Tower and Café @ 2100.

There are a number of ways you can get involved in FareStart’s mission. Donations are accepted, but the fulfilling way to help is to volunteer in food prep, outreach, mock interviews, and more.

FareStart is the local beneficiary for this year’s South Lake Union Block Party, which takes place on August 9 from noon to 11pm between Westlake Avenue and Denny Way. Head to their booth to enjoy a snack and beverage lounge featuring a special mocktail, chances to win prizes, and to learn all about FareStart and its mission.

Story by Ethan Chung and photographs courtesy FareStart.


At The Center

SLU is the geographical center of Seattle