In a significant announcement today, Mayor Bruce Harrell unveiled his budget proposal for 2026 aimed at addressing food access challenges in Seattle, particularly in light of recent federal funding cuts to food programs under President Donald Trump’s budget bill.
The plan seeks to increase the City’s food investments by 20%, pushing total allocations to over $50 million.
Mayor Harrell emphasized the importance of ensuring that all Seattle residents have access to affordable and nutritious food, a need that has become increasingly acute due to food inflation, grocery store closures, and food deserts in the city.
“Too many Seattle neighbors are feeling the impacts of Trump’s inflation, tariffs, and dangerous actions that put the most basic of needs – healthy food – out of reach,” said Mayor Harrell during his announcement in the Lake City neighborhood.
He added, “Put simply, affordable food access is at the foundation of a healthy life and a healthy city – this proposal invests in that healthy future.”
The proposal includes several key initiatives aimed at improving food access and availability for Seattle residents.
One of the most notable aspects of Mayor Harrell’s plan is the addition of $6 million to enhance the Fresh Bucks program.
This program assists low-income families in purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at local markets.
The proposed investment would increase the monthly participant stipend by 50%, raising it to $60 a month and eliminating the waitlist for over 4,000 individuals currently seeking assistance.
Recent studies have shown that participants in the Fresh Bucks program have a 31% higher rate of food security and consume significantly more servings of fruits and vegetables than those who do not participate.
Additionally, the proposal includes the elimination of non-compete grocery and pharmacy property covenants through forthcoming city legislation.
These restrictive clauses prevent the establishment of new grocery and pharmacy businesses in former locations when existing stores close, perpetuating food deserts in affected neighborhoods.
Recognizing that grocery and pharmacy stores play essential roles in community health, Mayor Harrell aims to remove these barriers to ensure that residents retain access to these vital services.
To further bolster food access, the budget also proposes allocating an additional $3 million in support of local food banks.
These funds will assist not only food banks but also initiatives such as mobile food pantries and home delivery services for seniors and others who are homebound.
This step is particularly critical given the historic cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which have left many residents struggling to obtain food.
Mayor Harrell expressed that his plan is a direct response to President Donald Trump’s cuts to safety-net programs, stating, “Mayor Harrell’s plan will help protect Seattle from Trump’s cruelty.”
In a bid to support the financial viability of food businesses, the mayor plans to seek legislation that would exempt groceries and pharmacies from Washington State’s Business & Occupation (B&O) tax.
These establishments operate on narrow profit margins, and such an exemption would help bolster their sustainability and availability for Seattle residents.
Another critical component of Harrell’s proposal is addressing safety and security at grocery stores, with a proposed $1 million dedicated to combating retail theft and property damage.
Through the Seattle Office of Economic Development, this funding aims to create a safer environment for both grocery store employees and customers, promoting a secure shopping atmosphere.
Moreover, the proposal allocates $1 million to enhance access to nutritious meals for vulnerable populations, including youth, seniors, and those experiencing homelessness.
The funds will support programs that provide prepared hot meals on a year-round basis, continuing existing efforts to combat hunger in the community.
To further expand food access, Mayor Harrell’s plan includes a $700,000 investment aimed at opening and growing small businesses that offer healthy and culturally relevant food options throughout various Seattle neighborhoods.
This program seeks to stimulate economic activity in areas identified as food deserts, making it easier for residents to access fresh and affordable food.
Additionally, the budget includes a proposal to enhance the Lake City Farmers Market, allocating over $300,000 to extend its operating time by an additional 15 weeks annually and transition to Saturday openings.
With the recent announcement of the closure of a local grocery store, this initiative represents an important step in addressing food access concerns in the Lake City area.
Furthermore, recognizing the intertwined nature of food access and public safety, Harrell proposed a $4 million neighborhood place-based public safety fund.
This initiative aims to promote economic growth and support neighborhood renewal efforts in areas such as Lake City and Little Saigon, building on successful strategies piloted in Downtown Seattle.
The comprehensive nature of Mayor Harrell’s proposal reflects a multi-faceted approach to addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity in Seattle.
These measures will be put forward for consideration by the City Council as part of the upcoming 2026 budget proposal, which is scheduled to be presented in full later this month.
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