Transforming lives
through food

We help people overcoming barriers to employment gain job and life skills while feeding our community. It starts with food but grows from there into career pathways that provide stability and economic mobility.

WHO WE ARE

FareStart is a social enterprise nonprofit focused on job training and employment. We run food-based businesses that serve as classrooms for our students to learn on-the-job skills that will prepare them for careers while nourishing the community and sustainably funding our mission. Our end goal is personal stability and economic mobility for people overcoming barriers to employment.

Learn more

DINING

Food is the foundation of our work. It’s the tool we use to transform lives, disrupt poverty and nourish communities.

Our model has far-reaching impact

We measure the impact of everything we do to ensure we’re delivering on our mission to disrupt poverty and nourish communities through food, life skills and job training.

7,891

students enrolled

Nearly 8,000 students have enrolled in FareStart job training programs since 1992, working to support themselves and their families.

68%

job placement rate

On average, 68% of adult students have secured jobs within 90 days of graduating from our job training programs since 1992.

19.7M

Meals prepared

Since 1992, we have prepared nearly 20 million meals for local nonprofits, shelters, respite centers, youth and adult daycare centers and schools.

358

Organizations Impacted

Over the past 20+ years, we have consulted with over 350 organizations in 51 states and provinces across the U.S. and Canada to advance job training programs and realize better employment outcomes.

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  • Last Thursday, FareStart CEO Patrick D’Amelio had the pleasure of participating in the ceremony raising the FIFA flag atop the Space Needle as Seattle officially kicked off FIFA World Cup excitement.

We are also honored to receive a SEA Beacon from Deloitte (@deloitte). Designed by local artist Shogo Ota and created by Western Neon, this legacy art installation will be at the Seattle Center Armory (@seattlecenter) as one of dozens of “selfless selfie stations” popping up around the Seattle Unity Loop during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FareStart exists to transform lives through food, job training and employment. Moments like yesterday — on a global stage — remind us just how far that mission can travel. Grateful doesn't begin to cover it.

#FIFAWorldCup #LetsPlaySEA26 #SeaFWC2026 #WeAreSeattle #FareStart
  • FIFA World Cup energy with FareStart flavor! 🙌

Join the celebration in FareStart Restaurant’s mezzanine viewing area and enjoy delicious food for every kind of fan while you catch today’s match.

Grab your game day bite. Every order supports students in our job training programs who are learning on-the-job skills that will prepare them for careers.

#FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #FIFAWorldCup #FIFAFanZone #WeAre26
  • Last month, FareStart and @coffeetab_seattle came together for a latte art competition featuring talented graduates from both programs.

Each graduate brought focus, creativity and skill to the bar, creating beautiful pours and cheering one another on along the way. It was a meaningful reminder of what happens when people have the opportunity to keep building their craft within a supportive community.

More than a competition, the day reflected the heart of this work by graduates encouraging each other, partners showing up together and a community celebrating growth.

Thank you, Coffee TAB, for creating a welcoming space for connection, encouragement and a little friendly competition.

#FlashbackFriday #CoffeeTAB #FareStart #CommunityInAction
  • FIFA World Cup is here. Let’s eat. Let’s cheer. Let’s go! ⚽🔥

Game day starts before the whistle. Swing by FareStart Restaurant for breakfast, lunch or a grab-and-go bite on your way to the game.

You’re invited to catch upcoming games in FareStart Restaurant’s mezzanine viewing area Mon - Fri, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Learn more by clicking the World Cup link in bio.

Every purchase supports FareStart’s job training programs for people overcoming barriers to employment. 

#FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #FIFAWorldCup #FIFAFanZone #WeAre26
  • A fresh June lunch, whether you stay or take it with you. 

Our lunch special at FareStart Restaurant is a Nicoise salad with ahi tuna, satisfying and available all month long. 

Make it your June lunch order. Click FareStart Restaurant link in bio. 

#FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #DowntownSeattle #SeattleFood #EatWellDoGood
Last Thursday, FareStart CEO Patrick D’Amelio had the pleasure of participating in the ceremony raising the FIFA flag atop the Space Needle as Seattle officially kicked off FIFA World Cup excitement.

We are also honored to receive a SEA Beacon from Deloitte (@deloitte). Designed by local artist Shogo Ota and created by Western Neon, this legacy art installation will be at the Seattle Center Armory (@seattlecenter) as one of dozens of “selfless selfie stations” popping up around the Seattle Unity Loop during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FareStart exists to transform lives through food, job training and employment. Moments like yesterday — on a global stage — remind us just how far that mission can travel. Grateful doesn't begin to cover it.

#FIFAWorldCup #LetsPlaySEA26 #SeaFWC2026 #WeAreSeattle #FareStart
Last Thursday, FareStart CEO Patrick D’Amelio had the pleasure of participating in the ceremony raising the FIFA flag atop the Space Needle as Seattle officially kicked off FIFA World Cup excitement.

We are also honored to receive a SEA Beacon from Deloitte (@deloitte). Designed by local artist Shogo Ota and created by Western Neon, this legacy art installation will be at the Seattle Center Armory (@seattlecenter) as one of dozens of “selfless selfie stations” popping up around the Seattle Unity Loop during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FareStart exists to transform lives through food, job training and employment. Moments like yesterday — on a global stage — remind us just how far that mission can travel. Grateful doesn't begin to cover it.

#FIFAWorldCup #LetsPlaySEA26 #SeaFWC2026 #WeAreSeattle #FareStart
Last Thursday, FareStart CEO Patrick D’Amelio had the pleasure of participating in the ceremony raising the FIFA flag atop the Space Needle as Seattle officially kicked off FIFA World Cup excitement.

We are also honored to receive a SEA Beacon from Deloitte (@deloitte). Designed by local artist Shogo Ota and created by Western Neon, this legacy art installation will be at the Seattle Center Armory (@seattlecenter) as one of dozens of “selfless selfie stations” popping up around the Seattle Unity Loop during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FareStart exists to transform lives through food, job training and employment. Moments like yesterday — on a global stage — remind us just how far that mission can travel. Grateful doesn't begin to cover it.

#FIFAWorldCup #LetsPlaySEA26 #SeaFWC2026 #WeAreSeattle #FareStart
Last Thursday, FareStart CEO Patrick D’Amelio had the pleasure of participating in the ceremony raising the FIFA flag atop the Space Needle as Seattle officially kicked off FIFA World Cup excitement. We are also honored to receive a SEA Beacon from Deloitte (@deloitte). Designed by local artist Shogo Ota and created by Western Neon, this legacy art installation will be at the Seattle Center Armory (@seattlecenter) as one of dozens of “selfless selfie stations” popping up around the Seattle Unity Loop during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FareStart exists to transform lives through food, job training and employment. Moments like yesterday — on a global stage — remind us just how far that mission can travel. Grateful doesn't begin to cover it. #FIFAWorldCup #LetsPlaySEA26 #SeaFWC2026 #WeAreSeattle #FareStart
22 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
FIFA World Cup energy with FareStart flavor! 🙌

Join the celebration in FareStart Restaurant’s mezzanine viewing area and enjoy delicious food for every kind of fan while you catch today’s match.

Grab your game day bite. Every order supports students in our job training programs who are learning on-the-job skills that will prepare them for careers.

#FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #FIFAWorldCup #FIFAFanZone #WeAre26
FIFA World Cup energy with FareStart flavor! 🙌

Join the celebration in FareStart Restaurant’s mezzanine viewing area and enjoy delicious food for every kind of fan while you catch today’s match.

Grab your game day bite. Every order supports students in our job training programs who are learning on-the-job skills that will prepare them for careers.

#FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #FIFAWorldCup #FIFAFanZone #WeAre26
FIFA World Cup energy with FareStart flavor! 🙌

Join the celebration in FareStart Restaurant’s mezzanine viewing area and enjoy delicious food for every kind of fan while you catch today’s match.

Grab your game day bite. Every order supports students in our job training programs who are learning on-the-job skills that will prepare them for careers.

#FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #FIFAWorldCup #FIFAFanZone #WeAre26
FIFA World Cup energy with FareStart flavor! 🙌 Join the celebration in FareStart Restaurant’s mezzanine viewing area and enjoy delicious food for every kind of fan while you catch today’s match. Grab your game day bite. Every order supports students in our job training programs who are learning on-the-job skills that will prepare them for careers. #FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #FIFAWorldCup #FIFAFanZone #WeAre26
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
Last month, FareStart and @coffeetab_seattle came together for a latte art competition featuring talented graduates from both programs.

Each graduate brought focus, creativity and skill to the bar, creating beautiful pours and cheering one another on along the way. It was a meaningful reminder of what happens when people have the opportunity to keep building their craft within a supportive community.

More than a competition, the day reflected the heart of this work by graduates encouraging each other, partners showing up together and a community celebrating growth.

Thank you, Coffee TAB, for creating a welcoming space for connection, encouragement and a little friendly competition.

#FlashbackFriday #CoffeeTAB #FareStart #CommunityInAction
Last month, FareStart and @coffeetab_seattle came together for a latte art competition featuring talented graduates from both programs.

Each graduate brought focus, creativity and skill to the bar, creating beautiful pours and cheering one another on along the way. It was a meaningful reminder of what happens when people have the opportunity to keep building their craft within a supportive community.

More than a competition, the day reflected the heart of this work by graduates encouraging each other, partners showing up together and a community celebrating growth.

Thank you, Coffee TAB, for creating a welcoming space for connection, encouragement and a little friendly competition.

#FlashbackFriday #CoffeeTAB #FareStart #CommunityInAction
Last month, FareStart and @coffeetab_seattle came together for a latte art competition featuring talented graduates from both programs.

Each graduate brought focus, creativity and skill to the bar, creating beautiful pours and cheering one another on along the way. It was a meaningful reminder of what happens when people have the opportunity to keep building their craft within a supportive community.

More than a competition, the day reflected the heart of this work by graduates encouraging each other, partners showing up together and a community celebrating growth.

Thank you, Coffee TAB, for creating a welcoming space for connection, encouragement and a little friendly competition.

#FlashbackFriday #CoffeeTAB #FareStart #CommunityInAction
Last month, FareStart and @coffeetab_seattle came together for a latte art competition featuring talented graduates from both programs.

Each graduate brought focus, creativity and skill to the bar, creating beautiful pours and cheering one another on along the way. It was a meaningful reminder of what happens when people have the opportunity to keep building their craft within a supportive community.

More than a competition, the day reflected the heart of this work by graduates encouraging each other, partners showing up together and a community celebrating growth.

Thank you, Coffee TAB, for creating a welcoming space for connection, encouragement and a little friendly competition.

#FlashbackFriday #CoffeeTAB #FareStart #CommunityInAction
Last month, FareStart and @coffeetab_seattle came together for a latte art competition featuring talented graduates from both programs. Each graduate brought focus, creativity and skill to the bar, creating beautiful pours and cheering one another on along the way. It was a meaningful reminder of what happens when people have the opportunity to keep building their craft within a supportive community. More than a competition, the day reflected the heart of this work by graduates encouraging each other, partners showing up together and a community celebrating growth. Thank you, Coffee TAB, for creating a welcoming space for connection, encouragement and a little friendly competition. #FlashbackFriday #CoffeeTAB #FareStart #CommunityInAction
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
FIFA World Cup is here. Let’s eat. Let’s cheer. Let’s go! ⚽🔥

Game day starts before the whistle. Swing by FareStart Restaurant for breakfast, lunch or a grab-and-go bite on your way to the game.

You’re invited to catch upcoming games in FareStart Restaurant’s mezzanine viewing area Mon - Fri, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Learn more by clicking the World Cup link in bio.

Every purchase supports FareStart’s job training programs for people overcoming barriers to employment. 

#FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #FIFAWorldCup #FIFAFanZone #WeAre26
FIFA World Cup is here. Let’s eat. Let’s cheer. Let’s go! ⚽🔥

Game day starts before the whistle. Swing by FareStart Restaurant for breakfast, lunch or a grab-and-go bite on your way to the game.

You’re invited to catch upcoming games in FareStart Restaurant’s mezzanine viewing area Mon - Fri, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Learn more by clicking the World Cup link in bio.

Every purchase supports FareStart’s job training programs for people overcoming barriers to employment. 

#FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #FIFAWorldCup #FIFAFanZone #WeAre26
FIFA World Cup is here. Let’s eat. Let’s cheer. Let’s go! ⚽🔥

Game day starts before the whistle. Swing by FareStart Restaurant for breakfast, lunch or a grab-and-go bite on your way to the game.

You’re invited to catch upcoming games in FareStart Restaurant’s mezzanine viewing area Mon - Fri, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Learn more by clicking the World Cup link in bio.

Every purchase supports FareStart’s job training programs for people overcoming barriers to employment. 

#FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #FIFAWorldCup #FIFAFanZone #WeAre26
FIFA World Cup is here. Let’s eat. Let’s cheer. Let’s go! ⚽🔥 Game day starts before the whistle. Swing by FareStart Restaurant for breakfast, lunch or a grab-and-go bite on your way to the game. You’re invited to catch upcoming games in FareStart Restaurant’s mezzanine viewing area Mon - Fri, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Learn more by clicking the World Cup link in bio. Every purchase supports FareStart’s job training programs for people overcoming barriers to employment. #FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #FIFAWorldCup #FIFAFanZone #WeAre26
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
A fresh June lunch, whether you stay or take it with you. 

Our lunch special at FareStart Restaurant is a Nicoise salad with ahi tuna, satisfying and available all month long. 

Make it your June lunch order. Click FareStart Restaurant link in bio. 

#FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #DowntownSeattle #SeattleFood #EatWellDoGood
A fresh June lunch, whether you stay or take it with you. Our lunch special at FareStart Restaurant is a Nicoise salad with ahi tuna, satisfying and available all month long. Make it your June lunch order. Click FareStart Restaurant link in bio. #FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #DowntownSeattle #SeattleFood #EatWellDoGood
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/5

Game Day Starts Here

As fans gather for the World Cup, FareStart brings the community together through food, job training and opportunity. Stop by to watch the match, grab a bite before heading to the game, or celebrate the moment with our students and your community.

Join Us