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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  • We’re still smiling after last week’s Guest Chef Night! 😍 Our sincere appreciation to Chef Janet Becerra (@yani_se) of Pancita (@pancitaseattle) for sharing her talent and story with our community. Chef Janet started Pancita as a pop-up in 2020 to reconnect with her Mexican heritage, and she continues to wow Seattle with her unique, first-generation take on Seattle-Mexican cuisine. If you haven’t already, be sure to visit her restaurant in Ravenna.

We’re also appreciative of our amazing volunteer servers from blackrock—your energy and hospitality made the night so welcoming. Thank you to our generous sponsors, US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), for helping make this evening possible.

Guest Chef Night brings together local chefs and FareStart students to create a delicious three-course meal, all in support of job training programs that transform lives. Join us for upcoming Guest Chef Nights on May 14 with Chef Kevin Smith (@the_english_butcher) of Beast and Cleaver (@beastandcleaver), The Little Beast (@littlebeastballard) and The Peasant, May 28 with Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) of Lenox (@lenoxwa) and on June 11 with Chef Sabrina Tinsley (@chef_sabrina_t) of Osteria la Spiga (@osterialaspiga)

Get tickets at the Guest Chef Night link in our bio.

#FareStart #GuestChefNight #FareStartRestaurant #TransformingLives
  • A job can change everything. When students have what they need, they succeed. Your GiveBIG gift helps provide:
✔️ Workforce training
✔️ Paid, hands-on experience
✔️ Job placement support

As more people turn to FareStart for support, the need is growing fast, and time is running out.

GiveBIG is happening now, and every donation is matched up to $90,000 for a limited time. Give now and make twice the difference. Click on GiveBIG link in bio.

#FareStart #GiveBIG #TransformingLives
  • GiveBIG to support FareStart students. For our students, a job isn’t just employment. It means paying rent. It means putting groceries on the table. It means building a future that once felt out of reach.

Right now, more people than ever are turning to FareStart for the skills and support to rebuild their lives. The need is growing, and so is the urgency.

During GiveBIG, every donation is matched up to $90,000 — doubling your impact for students working toward a new beginning.

Join us and help turn opportunity into lasting change. Click on GiveBIG link in bio.

#FareStart #GiveBIG #TransformingLives
  • If you’re soaking up the sunshine downtown, swing by the FareStart Restaurant to cool down with a refreshing iced drink. ☀️

Join us weekdays, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

#FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #SeattleEats #SouthLakeUnion #DowntownSeattle
  • “I came to the program with my cup empty so I could fill it all up.”

That’s how Anthony approached his time at FareStart after coming out of incarceration—leading with humility, even with years of culinary experience behind him. It didn’t take long for his skills to shine through, both in the kitchen and among his peers.

From stepping into a leadership position during his cohort’s capstone project to working alongside top chefs at Guest Chef Night and landing a lead role in a soon-to-be-open restaurant, Anthony has built strong momentum—and he’s just getting started.

We’re proud to celebrate Anthony and all he’s accomplished so far. 👏

Read more of Anthony’s story by clicking the News link in bio.

#FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FreshStart #TransformingLives
We’re still smiling after last week’s Guest Chef Night! 😍 Our sincere appreciation to Chef Janet Becerra (@yani_se) of Pancita (@pancitaseattle) for sharing her talent and story with our community. Chef Janet started Pancita as a pop-up in 2020 to reconnect with her Mexican heritage, and she continues to wow Seattle with her unique, first-generation take on Seattle-Mexican cuisine. If you haven’t already, be sure to visit her restaurant in Ravenna.

We’re also appreciative of our amazing volunteer servers from blackrock—your energy and hospitality made the night so welcoming. Thank you to our generous sponsors, US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), for helping make this evening possible.

Guest Chef Night brings together local chefs and FareStart students to create a delicious three-course meal, all in support of job training programs that transform lives. Join us for upcoming Guest Chef Nights on May 14 with Chef Kevin Smith (@the_english_butcher) of Beast and Cleaver (@beastandcleaver), The Little Beast (@littlebeastballard) and The Peasant, May 28 with Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) of Lenox (@lenoxwa) and on June 11 with Chef Sabrina Tinsley (@chef_sabrina_t) of Osteria la Spiga (@osterialaspiga)

Get tickets at the Guest Chef Night link in our bio.

#FareStart #GuestChefNight #FareStartRestaurant #TransformingLives
We’re still smiling after last week’s Guest Chef Night! 😍 Our sincere appreciation to Chef Janet Becerra (@yani_se) of Pancita (@pancitaseattle) for sharing her talent and story with our community. Chef Janet started Pancita as a pop-up in 2020 to reconnect with her Mexican heritage, and she continues to wow Seattle with her unique, first-generation take on Seattle-Mexican cuisine. If you haven’t already, be sure to visit her restaurant in Ravenna.

We’re also appreciative of our amazing volunteer servers from blackrock—your energy and hospitality made the night so welcoming. Thank you to our generous sponsors, US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), for helping make this evening possible.

Guest Chef Night brings together local chefs and FareStart students to create a delicious three-course meal, all in support of job training programs that transform lives. Join us for upcoming Guest Chef Nights on May 14 with Chef Kevin Smith (@the_english_butcher) of Beast and Cleaver (@beastandcleaver), The Little Beast (@littlebeastballard) and The Peasant, May 28 with Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) of Lenox (@lenoxwa) and on June 11 with Chef Sabrina Tinsley (@chef_sabrina_t) of Osteria la Spiga (@osterialaspiga)

Get tickets at the Guest Chef Night link in our bio.

#FareStart #GuestChefNight #FareStartRestaurant #TransformingLives
We’re still smiling after last week’s Guest Chef Night! 😍 Our sincere appreciation to Chef Janet Becerra (@yani_se) of Pancita (@pancitaseattle) for sharing her talent and story with our community. Chef Janet started Pancita as a pop-up in 2020 to reconnect with her Mexican heritage, and she continues to wow Seattle with her unique, first-generation take on Seattle-Mexican cuisine. If you haven’t already, be sure to visit her restaurant in Ravenna.

We’re also appreciative of our amazing volunteer servers from blackrock—your energy and hospitality made the night so welcoming. Thank you to our generous sponsors, US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), for helping make this evening possible.

Guest Chef Night brings together local chefs and FareStart students to create a delicious three-course meal, all in support of job training programs that transform lives. Join us for upcoming Guest Chef Nights on May 14 with Chef Kevin Smith (@the_english_butcher) of Beast and Cleaver (@beastandcleaver), The Little Beast (@littlebeastballard) and The Peasant, May 28 with Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) of Lenox (@lenoxwa) and on June 11 with Chef Sabrina Tinsley (@chef_sabrina_t) of Osteria la Spiga (@osterialaspiga)

Get tickets at the Guest Chef Night link in our bio.

#FareStart #GuestChefNight #FareStartRestaurant #TransformingLives
We’re still smiling after last week’s Guest Chef Night! 😍 Our sincere appreciation to Chef Janet Becerra (@yani_se) of Pancita (@pancitaseattle) for sharing her talent and story with our community. Chef Janet started Pancita as a pop-up in 2020 to reconnect with her Mexican heritage, and she continues to wow Seattle with her unique, first-generation take on Seattle-Mexican cuisine. If you haven’t already, be sure to visit her restaurant in Ravenna.

We’re also appreciative of our amazing volunteer servers from blackrock—your energy and hospitality made the night so welcoming. Thank you to our generous sponsors, US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), for helping make this evening possible.

Guest Chef Night brings together local chefs and FareStart students to create a delicious three-course meal, all in support of job training programs that transform lives. Join us for upcoming Guest Chef Nights on May 14 with Chef Kevin Smith (@the_english_butcher) of Beast and Cleaver (@beastandcleaver), The Little Beast (@littlebeastballard) and The Peasant, May 28 with Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) of Lenox (@lenoxwa) and on June 11 with Chef Sabrina Tinsley (@chef_sabrina_t) of Osteria la Spiga (@osterialaspiga)

Get tickets at the Guest Chef Night link in our bio.

#FareStart #GuestChefNight #FareStartRestaurant #TransformingLives
We’re still smiling after last week’s Guest Chef Night! 😍 Our sincere appreciation to Chef Janet Becerra (@yani_se) of Pancita (@pancitaseattle) for sharing her talent and story with our community. Chef Janet started Pancita as a pop-up in 2020 to reconnect with her Mexican heritage, and she continues to wow Seattle with her unique, first-generation take on Seattle-Mexican cuisine. If you haven’t already, be sure to visit her restaurant in Ravenna.

We’re also appreciative of our amazing volunteer servers from blackrock—your energy and hospitality made the night so welcoming. Thank you to our generous sponsors, US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), for helping make this evening possible.

Guest Chef Night brings together local chefs and FareStart students to create a delicious three-course meal, all in support of job training programs that transform lives. Join us for upcoming Guest Chef Nights on May 14 with Chef Kevin Smith (@the_english_butcher) of Beast and Cleaver (@beastandcleaver), The Little Beast (@littlebeastballard) and The Peasant, May 28 with Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) of Lenox (@lenoxwa) and on June 11 with Chef Sabrina Tinsley (@chef_sabrina_t) of Osteria la Spiga (@osterialaspiga)

Get tickets at the Guest Chef Night link in our bio.

#FareStart #GuestChefNight #FareStartRestaurant #TransformingLives
We’re still smiling after last week’s Guest Chef Night! 😍 Our sincere appreciation to Chef Janet Becerra (@yani_se) of Pancita (@pancitaseattle) for sharing her talent and story with our community. Chef Janet started Pancita as a pop-up in 2020 to reconnect with her Mexican heritage, and she continues to wow Seattle with her unique, first-generation take on Seattle-Mexican cuisine. If you haven’t already, be sure to visit her restaurant in Ravenna.

We’re also appreciative of our amazing volunteer servers from blackrock—your energy and hospitality made the night so welcoming. Thank you to our generous sponsors, US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), for helping make this evening possible.

Guest Chef Night brings together local chefs and FareStart students to create a delicious three-course meal, all in support of job training programs that transform lives. Join us for upcoming Guest Chef Nights on May 14 with Chef Kevin Smith (@the_english_butcher) of Beast and Cleaver (@beastandcleaver), The Little Beast (@littlebeastballard) and The Peasant, May 28 with Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) of Lenox (@lenoxwa) and on June 11 with Chef Sabrina Tinsley (@chef_sabrina_t) of Osteria la Spiga (@osterialaspiga)

Get tickets at the Guest Chef Night link in our bio.

#FareStart #GuestChefNight #FareStartRestaurant #TransformingLives
We’re still smiling after last week’s Guest Chef Night! 😍 Our sincere appreciation to Chef Janet Becerra (@yani_se) of Pancita (@pancitaseattle) for sharing her talent and story with our community. Chef Janet started Pancita as a pop-up in 2020 to reconnect with her Mexican heritage, and she continues to wow Seattle with her unique, first-generation take on Seattle-Mexican cuisine. If you haven’t already, be sure to visit her restaurant in Ravenna. We’re also appreciative of our amazing volunteer servers from blackrock—your energy and hospitality made the night so welcoming. Thank you to our generous sponsors, US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), for helping make this evening possible. Guest Chef Night brings together local chefs and FareStart students to create a delicious three-course meal, all in support of job training programs that transform lives. Join us for upcoming Guest Chef Nights on May 14 with Chef Kevin Smith (@the_english_butcher) of Beast and Cleaver (@beastandcleaver), The Little Beast (@littlebeastballard) and The Peasant, May 28 with Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) of Lenox (@lenoxwa) and on June 11 with Chef Sabrina Tinsley (@chef_sabrina_t) of Osteria la Spiga (@osterialaspiga) Get tickets at the Guest Chef Night link in our bio. #FareStart #GuestChefNight #FareStartRestaurant #TransformingLives
17 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
A job can change everything. When students have what they need, they succeed. Your GiveBIG gift helps provide:
✔️ Workforce training
✔️ Paid, hands-on experience
✔️ Job placement support

As more people turn to FareStart for support, the need is growing fast, and time is running out.

GiveBIG is happening now, and every donation is matched up to $90,000 for a limited time. Give now and make twice the difference. Click on GiveBIG link in bio.

#FareStart #GiveBIG #TransformingLives
A job can change everything. When students have what they need, they succeed. Your GiveBIG gift helps provide: ✔️ Workforce training ✔️ Paid, hands-on experience ✔️ Job placement support As more people turn to FareStart for support, the need is growing fast, and time is running out. GiveBIG is happening now, and every donation is matched up to $90,000 for a limited time. Give now and make twice the difference. Click on GiveBIG link in bio. #FareStart #GiveBIG #TransformingLives
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
GiveBIG to support FareStart students. For our students, a job isn’t just employment. It means paying rent. It means putting groceries on the table. It means building a future that once felt out of reach.

Right now, more people than ever are turning to FareStart for the skills and support to rebuild their lives. The need is growing, and so is the urgency.

During GiveBIG, every donation is matched up to $90,000 — doubling your impact for students working toward a new beginning.

Join us and help turn opportunity into lasting change. Click on GiveBIG link in bio.

#FareStart #GiveBIG #TransformingLives
GiveBIG to support FareStart students. For our students, a job isn’t just employment. It means paying rent. It means putting groceries on the table. It means building a future that once felt out of reach.

Right now, more people than ever are turning to FareStart for the skills and support to rebuild their lives. The need is growing, and so is the urgency.

During GiveBIG, every donation is matched up to $90,000 — doubling your impact for students working toward a new beginning.

Join us and help turn opportunity into lasting change. Click on GiveBIG link in bio.

#FareStart #GiveBIG #TransformingLives
GiveBIG to support FareStart students. For our students, a job isn’t just employment. It means paying rent. It means putting groceries on the table. It means building a future that once felt out of reach. Right now, more people than ever are turning to FareStart for the skills and support to rebuild their lives. The need is growing, and so is the urgency. During GiveBIG, every donation is matched up to $90,000 — doubling your impact for students working toward a new beginning. Join us and help turn opportunity into lasting change. Click on GiveBIG link in bio. #FareStart #GiveBIG #TransformingLives
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
If you’re soaking up the sunshine downtown, swing by the FareStart Restaurant to cool down with a refreshing iced drink. ☀️

Join us weekdays, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

#FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #SeattleEats #SouthLakeUnion #DowntownSeattle
If you’re soaking up the sunshine downtown, swing by the FareStart Restaurant to cool down with a refreshing iced drink. ☀️ Join us weekdays, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. #FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #SeattleEats #SouthLakeUnion #DowntownSeattle
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
“I came to the program with my cup empty so I could fill it all up.”

That’s how Anthony approached his time at FareStart after coming out of incarceration—leading with humility, even with years of culinary experience behind him. It didn’t take long for his skills to shine through, both in the kitchen and among his peers.

From stepping into a leadership position during his cohort’s capstone project to working alongside top chefs at Guest Chef Night and landing a lead role in a soon-to-be-open restaurant, Anthony has built strong momentum—and he’s just getting started.

We’re proud to celebrate Anthony and all he’s accomplished so far. 👏

Read more of Anthony’s story by clicking the News link in bio.

#FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FreshStart #TransformingLives
“I came to the program with my cup empty so I could fill it all up.”

That’s how Anthony approached his time at FareStart after coming out of incarceration—leading with humility, even with years of culinary experience behind him. It didn’t take long for his skills to shine through, both in the kitchen and among his peers.

From stepping into a leadership position during his cohort’s capstone project to working alongside top chefs at Guest Chef Night and landing a lead role in a soon-to-be-open restaurant, Anthony has built strong momentum—and he’s just getting started.

We’re proud to celebrate Anthony and all he’s accomplished so far. 👏

Read more of Anthony’s story by clicking the News link in bio.

#FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FreshStart #TransformingLives
“I came to the program with my cup empty so I could fill it all up.”

That’s how Anthony approached his time at FareStart after coming out of incarceration—leading with humility, even with years of culinary experience behind him. It didn’t take long for his skills to shine through, both in the kitchen and among his peers.

From stepping into a leadership position during his cohort’s capstone project to working alongside top chefs at Guest Chef Night and landing a lead role in a soon-to-be-open restaurant, Anthony has built strong momentum—and he’s just getting started.

We’re proud to celebrate Anthony and all he’s accomplished so far. 👏

Read more of Anthony’s story by clicking the News link in bio.

#FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FreshStart #TransformingLives
“I came to the program with my cup empty so I could fill it all up.” That’s how Anthony approached his time at FareStart after coming out of incarceration—leading with humility, even with years of culinary experience behind him. It didn’t take long for his skills to shine through, both in the kitchen and among his peers. From stepping into a leadership position during his cohort’s capstone project to working alongside top chefs at Guest Chef Night and landing a lead role in a soon-to-be-open restaurant, Anthony has built strong momentum—and he’s just getting started. We’re proud to celebrate Anthony and all he’s accomplished so far. 👏 Read more of Anthony’s story by clicking the News link in bio. #FareStart #JobTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FreshStart #TransformingLives
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/5

A Job Changes Everything

With the right support and skills, a job can change everything.

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