Ballard FC is proud to once again partner with the Ballard Food Bank, a cornerstone organization in our neighborhood that has been a key partner since our inaugural season.
Reflecting the same values of community, equity, and access we aim to uphold on and off the field, the food bank and our club share a deep and ongoing commitment to grassroots impact. Whether it’s hosting collaborative food drives, spotlighting their mission on game day, or volunteering directly at the food bank, this relationship continues to grow through shared action and purpose. This connection now extends to our USL W League sister club, Salmon Bay FC, whose players and staff proudly joined in this year’s efforts, further strengthening the ties that bind our broader organization to the greater Ballard neighborhood.
More than just a food pantry, the Ballard Food Bank operates as a vital hub for hope, offering both immediate support and long-term solutions for neighbors across Seattle and beyond. At its heart is a dignified, choice-based Community Market open to all who walk through its doors—no proof of income, need, or address required. Individuals and families can take a basket or cart and select from a variety of fresh produce, proteins, shelf-stable goods, hygiene items, and even pet food from within a welcoming, grocery-style environment.
For those who can’t visit in person, a robust home delivery program ensures food reaches those who need it most. The food bank also provides no-cook meal kits and weekend food packs for students in Seattle Public Schools.
Beyond food, the Ballard Food Bank offers a wide-reaching Resource Hub on-site, connecting neighbors to services through strong regional partnerships. These include rental and utility assistance, help obtaining state IDs, and mail services for those without a permanent address. On-site support also includes healthcare, mental health, substance recovery, employment, and education resources.
Unique offerings showcase the food bank’s holistic approach to care: volunteer seamstress Jody Grage provides free clothing and gear repair every Tuesday; pet owners can access a mobile veterinary clinic through Washington Health Outreach; and a mobile human medical van from King County Public Health delivers walk-in care, dental screenings, and behavioral health services. This all-in-one model ensures that neighbors not only access food but also the tools to build lasting stability, health, and self-reliance.
This commitment to care came to life most recently on the morning of last Friday, the 13th—a day often joked about for its unlucky reputation. Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC came together to flip the script, turning superstition into service and bringing good karma to the community in a big way. This marked Ballard FC’s third year volunteering as a full team and staff, deepening a growing relationship fueled by collective effort. For Salmon Bay FC, this was their first time taking part, making the effort especially meaningful in their inaugural season.
In just one afternoon, players and staff from both clubs assembled a combined 523 dry food bags for the Ballard Food Bank’s home delivery program. These dry bags form the foundation of weekly grocery deliveries to homebound clients, with produce and protein added by food bank staff before distribution.
What’s especially powerful is how much can be accomplished in such a short time. Within just 20 minutes of concentrated effort, respectively, dozens of neighbors were directly supported. This efficiency speaks to the food bank’s streamlined operation and its deep roots in the Ballard community. The Ballard Community Food Bank currently serves over 7,000 visits and home deliveries each month, more than double its pre-pandemic average of 3,200. It distributes over two million pounds of food annually, and its home delivery program reaches 500 households per week across eight ZIP codes. The Weekend Food for Kids initiative provides 450 student meal packs to 20 public schools across northwest Seattle.
None of this would be possible without the support of more than 500 volunteers, including individual participants, religious organizations, corporations, and athletic teams such as ours, contributing over 3,700 hours of service each month.
Founded on the belief that everyone deserves food, dignity, and hope, the Ballard Food Bank now serves all in the greater Seattle area, welcoming thousands of households each month through its market, delivery service, and resource hub. Ballard FC’s ongoing relationship with the food bank is built on more than proximity, it is grounded in shared values and a vision for a more connected, compassionate city.
The morning effort brought together 46 total volunteers between Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC, an impressive show of unity that extended far beyond soccer. For many players, this experience reinforced a shared sense of purpose that transcends the pitch. “Showing up for the community gives us a good connection with the fans on game day,” said Ballard FC forward Austin Brummett. “It feels like we’re really connected to the city of Ballard, and it makes playing for that badge all the more special.” His teammate Rafi Otero echoed the sentiment, calling community engagement “an important piece of our team’s identity, trying to be bigger than individuals, bigger than just soccer players.” That team-wide mindset was evident from the moment the players arrived. “What stood out to me,” Otero added, “was how willing and excited everyone was to just immediately jump in, dive in, and get to work.”
The energy was just as palpable from Salmon Bay FC’s side. “Showing up for our community just motivates them and encourages them to do the same for theirs,” said Campbell Carroll, reflecting on what it means for fans to see their team step off the field and into service. That sense of something greater resonated across the group. “I feel like I’m a part of something a lot bigger than just the soccer club at Salmon Bay FC,” said midfielder Aaliyah Dockter.
For many, the warmth and hospitality of the food bank staff also left a lasting impression. “People were so welcoming here,” said Amelia Severn. “They were really communicative about what we had to do and helpful.” Brummett, who had previously volunteered at another food bank, appreciated seeing the behind-the-scenes effort that powers the Ballard Food Bank. “It gives you a deeper understanding of what it takes to serve the community,” he said. In every quote and gesture, it was clear this was not just a volunteer shift. It was a collective expression of gratitude, unity, and purpose from two teams rooted in the heart of Ballard.
For Ballard FC Associate Head Coach Mutanda Kwesele, showing up for the community mirrors the values he expects from the players on game day. He said, “We always ask the boys to put their best foot forward, be professional in everything they do, and think about the collective before they think about individuals. That is essentially what the food bank is about.”
Kwesele, who was drawn to Ballard by the club’s strong connection to its neighborhood, highlighted how the community’s artists, restaurants, and vendors helped shape the club’s identity. As he put it, “It just makes sense that we give back to the people who have produced us.” Looking ahead, he hopes the players take away a greater sense of perspective from the experience. “We as coaches talk all the time about adversity—struggling through training or fighting on the field—but when you put it into perspective, the challenges others face make what we deal with seem minimal. We are very fortunate. The best competitors embrace struggle, and this is a much more concrete battle.”
Jee Hye Kang, Community Engagement Specialist at the Ballard Food Bank, praised the incredible enthusiasm and efficiency both clubs brought to the volunteer day. She noted, “The energy is just a lot different. Definitely some new records set too. It was really awesome to have them in.” Kang emphasized how the partnership between these two hyperlocal organizations strengthens the community, saying, “We support each other at games, invite players in, and use the club’s platform to bring food and hope to our neighbors, which is our mission.” The food bank sees itself as “partners on people’s path to self-sufficiency,” offering multiple ways for supporters to get involved through food donations, financial contributions, or volunteering time. With 71% of donations coming from individuals and a volunteer-to-staff ratio of nearly 20 to 1, Kang highlighted that the food bank could not operate without community support.
For Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC, the goal was never just to pack bags. It was to carry forward the spirit of service that defines what it means to be a part of this neighborhood. Learn more about how you can make a difference and donate to the Ballard Food Bank.
Written by Emily Battistoni
