In 2025, the grip of food insecurity tightened across the region as many residents lost access to healthy, nutritious food. Federal funding cuts to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, climate change, and the rising costs of groceries have increased hunger across the nation, but programs like the P-Patch Giving Gardens showcase how small actions can have a big impact locally.

Last year, P-Patch community gardeners from Lake City to New Holly donated 41,093 pounds of organic, pesticide-free produce to local food distribution centers and meal programs. In addition to giving away an abundance of food, gardeners also gave their time by tending to Giving Garden beds, harvesting crops, preparing produce for distribution, and making deliveries to food banks and organizations providing meals for neighbors in need across the city.

Since 1973, Seattle’s P-Patch gardens have strengthened community relationships, encouraged civic engagement, and served as restorative gathering spaces throughout the city. Generosity is a consistent thread that runs through every P-Patch in Seattle. More than half of the 90 P-Patches across the city have a system for sharing produce with their gardeners volunteering their time starting seeds, tending garden beds, harvesting produce, and delivering food to ensure that fewer people worried about where they would find their next meal.

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods would like to thank all the Giving Garden volunteers for putting in the extra effort to support those in need, even when times are tough. We see you and want you to know that your dedication is helping neighbors in need gain access to fresh, healthy food.

What Motivates Giving Gardeners:

“First year for me as a gardener and was excited about giving back to my community and seeing what would grow!  I have lived experience needing the food bank/SNAP benefits so I know how important donating healthy food is!” -Delridge P-Patch Gardener

“For me it’s seeing the line at the food bank. The need is huge. I’m also low-income and enjoy growing produce we may not purchase because of the price.” -Squire Park P-Patch Gardener

“Everyone in Seattle should have access to healthy food regardless of their financial circumstances.”
-Magnuson Park P-Patch Gardener

“We believe strongly in community care, and a fair share for all. The food forest was started as a food justice project and creating the foodbank plot is just a natural extension of that ideal.” -Beacon Food Forest

“I grew zucchini, which is ground and used in a spaghetti sauce for a weekly take out meal distributed to Tent City 4 and other unhoused or temporary sheltered people. I also grew collards and green beans to give to a few seniors. This is one way I can actively help support food insecure people within my community.” -Burke Gilman P-Patch

“We wanted to share an abundance of healthy, delicious food and beautiful flowers with our neighbors, especially in a time when costs in this city are rising.” -Trolls Knoll