Mayor Bruce Harrell Announces Budget Proposal Investing Nearly $12 Million to Significantly Increase Food Access

photo by: Office of the Mayor Mayor Bruce Harrell

Harrell’s plan would increase the City’s food investments by 20% to over $50 million, expand the successful Fresh Bucks program, address grocery security and closures, and support food access in the face of federal funding cuts 

The proposal also includes public safety solutions to support a vibrant Lake City and other neighborhoods, following a place-based model piloted Downtown 

Seattle – Today, in the Lake City neighborhood, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced a comprehensive set of investments in his 2026 budget proposal to significantly increase food access in the wake of President Trump’s budget bill gutting funding for food programs. Mayor Harrell’s plan also works to address structural issues that have impacted basic access to food and pharmaceuticals. 

“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. “Food remains too expensive, and, in too many cases, inaccessible due to grocery closings and food deserts. While no single solution can solve this complicated challenge, this plan is a set of real actions and proven investments that will make a difference: more affordable food to address hunger, more healthy options to improve nutrition, and more access to reduce food deserts. Put simply, affordable food access is at the foundation of a healthy life and a healthy city – this proposal invests in that healthy future.” 

Mayor Harrell’s plan and budget proposal would increase the City’s investment in food access and availability by nearly $12 million, bringing total investments to over $50 million. The proposal is a comprehensive approach to current and future food needs, including: 

Nearly Doubling Fresh Bucks Investments: Adding an additional $6 million to Seattle’s Fresh Bucks program to increase the monthly participant stipend by 50% to $60 a month and serving everyone on the current 4,000+ person waitlist, in addition to continuing to serve 12,000 already enrolled Seattle families. A recent University of Washington study found that participants of the Fresh Bucks program, which helps low-income residents afford fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, farm stands, independent grocers, and supermarkets, had a 31% higher rate of food security and consume at least three daily servings of fruits and vegetables. 

Ending Non-Compete Grocery and Pharmacy Property Covenants: The mayor will soon propose city legislation that bans property restrictions and non-compete clauses for grocery store and pharmacy leases. When a grocery store or pharmacy closes, these restrictive covenants block efforts to bring new grocery stores and pharmacies into these spaces that are already built out and could easily house a new store. Grocery and pharmacy stores are essential services for our neighborhoods, and we must put an end to these restrictive covenants. 

Food Bank Support: Adding $3 million to support local food banks, which also includes mobile food pantries, home delivery to homebound residents, and other grocery access for individuals and families. With the largest cut to SNAP benefits in history, President Trump slashed billions of dollars in funding dedicated to addressing food insecurity, building on earlier cuts to food banks. Mayor Harrell’s plan will help protect Seattle from Trump’s cruelty.  

Exempting Groceries and Pharmacies from the State B&O tax: Mayor Harrell will seek legislation in Olympia in January to exempt groceries and pharmacies from Washington state’s Business & Occupation (B&O) tax, recognizing that these businesses operate with razor-thin margins and are vital for healthy and thriving communities. 

Grocery Store Security: Dedicating $1 million to address retail theft, property damage, and other crimes at grocery stores through the Seattle Office of Economic Development. Supporting infrastructure improvements and security solutions, investments will make grocery stores throughout Seattle safer for workers and customers. 

Healthy Meal Access: Adding $1 million to support year-round prepared hot meal access for youth, seniors, people experiencing homelessness, and others in need of a nutritious meal, building on existing City investments. 

More Groceries in More Places: Providing $700,000 to support the opening and expansion of small businesses offering healthy, fresh foods and cultural household essentials throughout Seattle neighborhoods. This program will seek to encourage and incentivize food access, with a specific focus on food deserts, as well as new opportunities for corner stores and bodegas through changes proposed in the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan Update. 

Lake City Farmers Market Expansion: Allocating more than $300,000 over three years to extend Lake City Farmers Market by an additional 15 weeks per year and future transition to Saturdays (currently open 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, June through October). Following the recent announcement of the upcoming closure of the neighborhood’s grocery story, this is a first step toward increasing food access in the neighborhood.  

Neighborhood Place-Based Public Safety Improvements: Adding $4 million into a new fund to improve public safety, promote economic growth, and encourage neighborhood renewal in neighborhoods like Lake City and Little Saigon. This successful place-based approach was piloted Downtown and is ready to be expanded to other neighborhoods.  This coordinated, cross-department public safety strategy includes increased trash removal, spot pressure washing of sidewalks, improved lighting, and police actions focused on those causing neighborhood harm, all designed to boost economic growth.    

These items will be considered by the City Council as part of Mayor Harrell’s 2026 budget proposal, which will be presented in full later this month.  

The City Council will consider these items and more over the next several months.