Plant Based Food Share Is Working To End Food Insecurity in Seattle

In March 2020, Chef Ariel Bangs very quickly saw the disproportionate effects of COVID-19 on already underserved communities in the Seattle area.

Well-known in Seattle for her private chef services via Healthy Creations and her decadent pre-order pastries at Flavorgasm Donuts, Chef Bangs has been a long-time advocate for plant-based eating and knows how to make it incredibly delicious.

But with the devastation from the pandemic, she acknowledged that this was the time to start Plant Based Food Share, to ensure no one goes without.

Plant Based Food Share Fills Major Food Gaps In The Community

PBFS’s mission is to eliminate food insecurity and improve the health of our communities. And they have been wildly successful, having sent out over one thousand boxes of food - and counting.

To understand the mission of PBFS, one must have at least a rudimentary understanding of our fellow humans in need, and those directly affected by inequalities in food distribution.

Despite Its Wealth, Seattle Has Many Food Deserts

The underserved communities in Seattle largely include BIPOC, families with children, Latinx communities, and victims of domestic violence. Plant-based and healthy foods are widely unavailable in these areas, often referred to as “food deserts”.

Food deserts are largely urban communities that have a dense residential population but lack grocery stores and access to fresh food within a couple of miles.

Chef Ariel Bangs

Founder of Plant Based Food Share. Photo Credit: Tideway Creative

Typical options for food in these areas are fast-food chains and convenience stores, which often offer only light snacks and little to no hot food or produce. 

Further, urban areas and food deserts lack options to grow one’s own food. Outdoor space is pricey in urban areas. If a resident is fortunate enough to have outdoor space, urban outdoor terrain often does not allow for any cultivation of produce. PBFS provides the fresh, nourishing food that urban soil, food pantries, and local shelters cannot provide. 

By providing families and underserved communities with fresh, healthy food like local produce, fresh baked goods, and pantry essentials, PBFS seeks to demolish the gap between these communities and increase access to essential, fresh food. 

Local Chefs Lending A Hand To Create Prepared Meals

In many cases, a box of ingredients is not enough for those in need, and in this case, Chef Bangs takes her mission further. In addition to fresh produce and bakery items, PBFS also offers culturally-relevant prepared meals. These prepared meals are crafted by Black, Latinx, and Indigenous chefs around the Seattle area.

Chef Makini Howell

Of Plum Bistro, lends a helping hand to the cause. Photo Credit: PBFS

There are many reasons why people may rely on prepared meals, including but not limited to - mental illness, disability, childcare, and even lack of access to a kitchen. Chef Bangs has seen this need for thoughtful intersectionality and provided this option for those that need a variety of extra care. 

Moving forward, Chef Bangs seeks to expand her community outreach efforts. PFBS is actively seeking their own permanent space to grow and learn where members and volunteers can teach educational classes such as gardening, health, and plant based cooking.

How To Support, Or Request Support

• To further support Plant Based Food Share’s mission, head to plantbasedfoodshare.org/donate where you can find options to set up either an ongoing or one-time donation, as well as forms if you'd like to volunteer your time. 

• If you, your family, or someone you know is in need of food, PBFS delivers to Seattle on Sundays and Mondays, and to Federal Way on Friday.

• Head to Plant Based Food Share’s website or Facebook to find the links to reserve your food in advance.