With two farm stands officially under our belt, we’re grateful to share that we’ve had a successful start to our 2025 season—our 8th season overall and our 6th season offering completely free distribution!

The primary reason we’ve been able to sustain this program for so many years is because of the incredible people who support us. Our beautiful turnout of 96 community members during the first hour of opening in Week 1 speaks to the dedication folks have for the fresh, locally grown produce that our region’s BIPOC farmers provide. Even in the pouring rain during Week 2, more than 93 individuals still came through (many lining up before 8:30 a.m.)! 

This turnout was made possible not only because of our RBAC staff and Food Justice Team, but also thanks to the 15+ hard-working volunteers who show up every Saturday to serve the neighborhood and be part of this work. These volunteers include both new and returning faces, ranging from youth, families, and individuals who have recently moved to South Seattle.

To keep things running smoothly, we’ve developed a more structured role system to ensure all needs of the farm stand are met. To help you visualize what it takes to keep our farm stand flowing, here are some of the key responsibilities:

  • Volunteer Coordinator: Welcomes volunteers, guides them through the space, shows them where to sign in via QR code, answers questions, and walks them through our operations.
  • Social Media Coordinator: Creates content by filming the farm stand and posting to our Instagram.
  • Data Coordinator: Tracks farm stand metrics and ensures the produce distribution form is filled out so we can create dashboards, reports, and other data visuals in Power BI.
  • Green Systems Coordinator: Manages compost, recycling, garbage, and cardboard disposal systems.
  • Inventory/Floater: Handles back-of-house management, supports transitions (like moving to lunch), manages facilities, walk-in cooler storage, bagging loose produce, and holding items for special orders.
  • Baggers: Walk through the line, placing produce of choice into patrons’ bags.
  • Stockers: Ensure produce on the tables is consistently restocked.
  • Line Managers: Maintain the safety and flow of the line, walking each patron individually up to the produce tables.

When asking folks what their favorite part of the farm stand is, many say it’s the lunches we share after wrapping up distribution. This year is extra special because we now gather in the new Growth Center kitchen, laying out our meals and sitting around the table together to chat, laugh, and unwind after a busy morning. We’ve been ordering delicious food from small South Seattle businesses that we’re proud to support. Shout-out to Paranormal Pie and Spice Waala for providing our first two lunches of the season! After lunch and clean-up, we’re fortunate to have our facilities support team finish tidying up the space to ensure the building is left in great condition, better than we found it.  Of course, none of this would be possible without the farms that provide the amazing produce that makes our farm stand so abundant. Huge thanks and love to Wakulima, Small Axe, IRC, Kezama, Farmstand Local Foods, and Horseneck, just to name a few!

You might be wondering: What about our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program? We’re excited to announce that our first CSA boxes will launch on July 11th! This year, we’re expanding pick-up locations throughout Seattle, making our produce more accessible than ever, and not just limited to the food hub. Stay tuned for an announcement on where those new sites will be. We’re also thrilled to be serving the largest number of CSA customers we’ve had since launching in 2023! That means more frequent deliveries and expanded reach into even more neighborhoods.

We invite you to come through to the farm stand every Saturday at 10 AM this summer to receive produce for you or your household. We recommend arriving early due to high turnout. We hope to see you there!

Kidest Wasihun

Derartu Massey

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