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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Be the first to hear what’s up at FareStart and share it with your friends and community.

  • Last week's Guest Chef Night was such a good one! Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) from Lenox (@lenoxwa) joined us for the first time, and every course showed what's possible when good ingredients and real craft go into the cooking. He worked side by side with FareStart students — and the result was a meal guests couldn't stop talking about. If you missed it, be sure to head to his acclaimed Belltown restaurant and experience it for yourself.

A huge thank you to our volunteer servers from Starbucks (@starbucks), sponsors US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), and everyone who joined us for the evening.

We're looking forward to more Guest Chef Night events this summer. Tickets are still available for Chef Michela Tartaglia (@miche.latartaglia) of Pasta Casalinga (@pastacasalinga) on June 25 and Chef Kevin Murray of Ray’s Boathouse (@raysboathouse) on July 9.

Place your reservations now by clicking the Guest Chef Night link in bio.

#FareStart #GuestChefNight #Lenox #SeattleFoodie
  • “These trainings hit basically every aspect of owning and running a business.” — Liberty Bar Co-Owner Brandon Paul Weaver 

Restaurants and hospitality businesses are facing real challenges when it comes to hiring and retaining staff. Through the Sound Jobs initiative, FareStart is partnering with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (@seakingwdc), working alongside employers to build workplaces where people feel supported, valued and able to grow. 

From improving organizational culture to exploring benefits and career advancement opportunities, these workshops are helping employers think differently about what keeps teams strong and sustainable. 

More than 80 Seattle-area employers have already taken part in training and career fairs since Sound Jobs launched last year. We’re grateful to be part of this work alongside Good Business Network of Washington (@goodbusiness.wa), WeTrain Washington (@wetrainwa), Pacific Northwest Hospitality Training Program and other partners. 

At the News link in our bio, read more about how Sound Jobs is helping strengthen our region’s hospitality workforce and how employers can get involved. 

#FareStart #FareStartConsulting #SoundJobs
  • Meet Tim, FareStart Barista & Customer Service Program Trainer, who works with young adults to develop their job skills. He's the inspiration behind FareStart Restaurant’s June drink special: Tim’s Brown Sugar Milk Tea.

Inspired by Yuenyeung, a drink Tim grew up with, this special blends cold brew, black tea, brown sugar and cream for a cup that’s bold and comforting.

Stop in this month and order Tim’s Brown Sugar Milk Tea with a fresh pastry.

#FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #DrinkSpecial #SeattleEats
  • Spend your Tuesday evening in Ballard for a good cause. On Tuesday, June 2, 5–9 p.m., @reubensbrews is hosting a Gratituesday event benefiting FareStart. Stop by for great beer, good company and a chance to support job training and pathways to employment in our community.

We’re grateful to the Reuben’s team for choosing FareStart as this month’s community partner. We hope to see you there!

P.S. They also have non-alcoholic options on the menu, so more folks can join in.

#FareStart #ReubensBrews #BallardSeattle
  • Tickets are now on sale for FareStart’s 34th Annual Gala on Sunday, October 18. ✨ Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the achievements of FareStart students and the community that makes this work possible.

As FareStart’s largest fundraising event of the year, the Gala supports transformational job training programs that help students gain skills, secure meaningful employment and build more stable futures for themselves and their families.

Early-bird pricing is available through June 30: $345 individual tickets and $3,450 tables for 10. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the power of opportunity, community and fresh starts.

Learn more and reserve your seats today through the link in bio.

#FareStart #FareStartGala #SeattleEvents #CommunityImpact
Last week's Guest Chef Night was such a good one! Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) from Lenox (@lenoxwa) joined us for the first time, and every course showed what's possible when good ingredients and real craft go into the cooking. He worked side by side with FareStart students — and the result was a meal guests couldn't stop talking about. If you missed it, be sure to head to his acclaimed Belltown restaurant and experience it for yourself.

A huge thank you to our volunteer servers from Starbucks (@starbucks), sponsors US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), and everyone who joined us for the evening.

We're looking forward to more Guest Chef Night events this summer. Tickets are still available for Chef Michela Tartaglia (@miche.latartaglia) of Pasta Casalinga (@pastacasalinga) on June 25 and Chef Kevin Murray of Ray’s Boathouse (@raysboathouse) on July 9.

Place your reservations now by clicking the Guest Chef Night link in bio.

#FareStart #GuestChefNight #Lenox #SeattleFoodie
Last week's Guest Chef Night was such a good one! Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) from Lenox (@lenoxwa) joined us for the first time, and every course showed what's possible when good ingredients and real craft go into the cooking. He worked side by side with FareStart students — and the result was a meal guests couldn't stop talking about. If you missed it, be sure to head to his acclaimed Belltown restaurant and experience it for yourself.

A huge thank you to our volunteer servers from Starbucks (@starbucks), sponsors US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), and everyone who joined us for the evening.

We're looking forward to more Guest Chef Night events this summer. Tickets are still available for Chef Michela Tartaglia (@miche.latartaglia) of Pasta Casalinga (@pastacasalinga) on June 25 and Chef Kevin Murray of Ray’s Boathouse (@raysboathouse) on July 9.

Place your reservations now by clicking the Guest Chef Night link in bio.

#FareStart #GuestChefNight #Lenox #SeattleFoodie
Last week's Guest Chef Night was such a good one! Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) from Lenox (@lenoxwa) joined us for the first time, and every course showed what's possible when good ingredients and real craft go into the cooking. He worked side by side with FareStart students — and the result was a meal guests couldn't stop talking about. If you missed it, be sure to head to his acclaimed Belltown restaurant and experience it for yourself.

A huge thank you to our volunteer servers from Starbucks (@starbucks), sponsors US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), and everyone who joined us for the evening.

We're looking forward to more Guest Chef Night events this summer. Tickets are still available for Chef Michela Tartaglia (@miche.latartaglia) of Pasta Casalinga (@pastacasalinga) on June 25 and Chef Kevin Murray of Ray’s Boathouse (@raysboathouse) on July 9.

Place your reservations now by clicking the Guest Chef Night link in bio.

#FareStart #GuestChefNight #Lenox #SeattleFoodie
Last week's Guest Chef Night was such a good one! Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) from Lenox (@lenoxwa) joined us for the first time, and every course showed what's possible when good ingredients and real craft go into the cooking. He worked side by side with FareStart students — and the result was a meal guests couldn't stop talking about. If you missed it, be sure to head to his acclaimed Belltown restaurant and experience it for yourself.

A huge thank you to our volunteer servers from Starbucks (@starbucks), sponsors US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), and everyone who joined us for the evening.

We're looking forward to more Guest Chef Night events this summer. Tickets are still available for Chef Michela Tartaglia (@miche.latartaglia) of Pasta Casalinga (@pastacasalinga) on June 25 and Chef Kevin Murray of Ray’s Boathouse (@raysboathouse) on July 9.

Place your reservations now by clicking the Guest Chef Night link in bio.

#FareStart #GuestChefNight #Lenox #SeattleFoodie
Last week's Guest Chef Night was such a good one! Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) from Lenox (@lenoxwa) joined us for the first time, and every course showed what's possible when good ingredients and real craft go into the cooking. He worked side by side with FareStart students — and the result was a meal guests couldn't stop talking about. If you missed it, be sure to head to his acclaimed Belltown restaurant and experience it for yourself.

A huge thank you to our volunteer servers from Starbucks (@starbucks), sponsors US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), and everyone who joined us for the evening.

We're looking forward to more Guest Chef Night events this summer. Tickets are still available for Chef Michela Tartaglia (@miche.latartaglia) of Pasta Casalinga (@pastacasalinga) on June 25 and Chef Kevin Murray of Ray’s Boathouse (@raysboathouse) on July 9.

Place your reservations now by clicking the Guest Chef Night link in bio.

#FareStart #GuestChefNight #Lenox #SeattleFoodie
Last week's Guest Chef Night was such a good one! Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) from Lenox (@lenoxwa) joined us for the first time, and every course showed what's possible when good ingredients and real craft go into the cooking. He worked side by side with FareStart students — and the result was a meal guests couldn't stop talking about. If you missed it, be sure to head to his acclaimed Belltown restaurant and experience it for yourself.

A huge thank you to our volunteer servers from Starbucks (@starbucks), sponsors US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), and everyone who joined us for the evening.

We're looking forward to more Guest Chef Night events this summer. Tickets are still available for Chef Michela Tartaglia (@miche.latartaglia) of Pasta Casalinga (@pastacasalinga) on June 25 and Chef Kevin Murray of Ray’s Boathouse (@raysboathouse) on July 9.

Place your reservations now by clicking the Guest Chef Night link in bio.

#FareStart #GuestChefNight #Lenox #SeattleFoodie
Last week's Guest Chef Night was such a good one! Chef Jhonny Reyes (@jhonnyumami) from Lenox (@lenoxwa) joined us for the first time, and every course showed what's possible when good ingredients and real craft go into the cooking. He worked side by side with FareStart students — and the result was a meal guests couldn't stop talking about. If you missed it, be sure to head to his acclaimed Belltown restaurant and experience it for yourself. A huge thank you to our volunteer servers from Starbucks (@starbucks), sponsors US Foods (@us_foods) and Wells Fargo (@wellsfargo), and everyone who joined us for the evening. We're looking forward to more Guest Chef Night events this summer. Tickets are still available for Chef Michela Tartaglia (@miche.latartaglia) of Pasta Casalinga (@pastacasalinga) on June 25 and Chef Kevin Murray of Ray’s Boathouse (@raysboathouse) on July 9. Place your reservations now by clicking the Guest Chef Night link in bio. #FareStart #GuestChefNight #Lenox #SeattleFoodie
19 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
“These trainings hit basically every aspect of owning and running a business.” — Liberty Bar Co-Owner Brandon Paul Weaver 

Restaurants and hospitality businesses are facing real challenges when it comes to hiring and retaining staff. Through the Sound Jobs initiative, FareStart is partnering with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (@seakingwdc), working alongside employers to build workplaces where people feel supported, valued and able to grow. 

From improving organizational culture to exploring benefits and career advancement opportunities, these workshops are helping employers think differently about what keeps teams strong and sustainable. 

More than 80 Seattle-area employers have already taken part in training and career fairs since Sound Jobs launched last year. We’re grateful to be part of this work alongside Good Business Network of Washington (@goodbusiness.wa), WeTrain Washington (@wetrainwa), Pacific Northwest Hospitality Training Program and other partners. 

At the News link in our bio, read more about how Sound Jobs is helping strengthen our region’s hospitality workforce and how employers can get involved. 

#FareStart #FareStartConsulting #SoundJobs
“These trainings hit basically every aspect of owning and running a business.” — Liberty Bar Co-Owner Brandon Paul Weaver 

Restaurants and hospitality businesses are facing real challenges when it comes to hiring and retaining staff. Through the Sound Jobs initiative, FareStart is partnering with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (@seakingwdc), working alongside employers to build workplaces where people feel supported, valued and able to grow. 

From improving organizational culture to exploring benefits and career advancement opportunities, these workshops are helping employers think differently about what keeps teams strong and sustainable. 

More than 80 Seattle-area employers have already taken part in training and career fairs since Sound Jobs launched last year. We’re grateful to be part of this work alongside Good Business Network of Washington (@goodbusiness.wa), WeTrain Washington (@wetrainwa), Pacific Northwest Hospitality Training Program and other partners. 

At the News link in our bio, read more about how Sound Jobs is helping strengthen our region’s hospitality workforce and how employers can get involved. 

#FareStart #FareStartConsulting #SoundJobs
“These trainings hit basically every aspect of owning and running a business.” — Liberty Bar Co-Owner Brandon Paul Weaver 

Restaurants and hospitality businesses are facing real challenges when it comes to hiring and retaining staff. Through the Sound Jobs initiative, FareStart is partnering with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (@seakingwdc), working alongside employers to build workplaces where people feel supported, valued and able to grow. 

From improving organizational culture to exploring benefits and career advancement opportunities, these workshops are helping employers think differently about what keeps teams strong and sustainable. 

More than 80 Seattle-area employers have already taken part in training and career fairs since Sound Jobs launched last year. We’re grateful to be part of this work alongside Good Business Network of Washington (@goodbusiness.wa), WeTrain Washington (@wetrainwa), Pacific Northwest Hospitality Training Program and other partners. 

At the News link in our bio, read more about how Sound Jobs is helping strengthen our region’s hospitality workforce and how employers can get involved. 

#FareStart #FareStartConsulting #SoundJobs
“These trainings hit basically every aspect of owning and running a business.” — Liberty Bar Co-Owner Brandon Paul Weaver 

Restaurants and hospitality businesses are facing real challenges when it comes to hiring and retaining staff. Through the Sound Jobs initiative, FareStart is partnering with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (@seakingwdc), working alongside employers to build workplaces where people feel supported, valued and able to grow. 

From improving organizational culture to exploring benefits and career advancement opportunities, these workshops are helping employers think differently about what keeps teams strong and sustainable. 

More than 80 Seattle-area employers have already taken part in training and career fairs since Sound Jobs launched last year. We’re grateful to be part of this work alongside Good Business Network of Washington (@goodbusiness.wa), WeTrain Washington (@wetrainwa), Pacific Northwest Hospitality Training Program and other partners. 

At the News link in our bio, read more about how Sound Jobs is helping strengthen our region’s hospitality workforce and how employers can get involved. 

#FareStart #FareStartConsulting #SoundJobs
“These trainings hit basically every aspect of owning and running a business.” — Liberty Bar Co-Owner Brandon Paul Weaver Restaurants and hospitality businesses are facing real challenges when it comes to hiring and retaining staff. Through the Sound Jobs initiative, FareStart is partnering with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (@seakingwdc), working alongside employers to build workplaces where people feel supported, valued and able to grow. From improving organizational culture to exploring benefits and career advancement opportunities, these workshops are helping employers think differently about what keeps teams strong and sustainable. More than 80 Seattle-area employers have already taken part in training and career fairs since Sound Jobs launched last year. We’re grateful to be part of this work alongside Good Business Network of Washington (@goodbusiness.wa), WeTrain Washington (@wetrainwa), Pacific Northwest Hospitality Training Program and other partners. At the News link in our bio, read more about how Sound Jobs is helping strengthen our region’s hospitality workforce and how employers can get involved. #FareStart #FareStartConsulting #SoundJobs
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
Meet Tim, FareStart Barista & Customer Service Program Trainer, who works with young adults to develop their job skills. He's the inspiration behind FareStart Restaurant’s June drink special: Tim’s Brown Sugar Milk Tea.

Inspired by Yuenyeung, a drink Tim grew up with, this special blends cold brew, black tea, brown sugar and cream for a cup that’s bold and comforting.

Stop in this month and order Tim’s Brown Sugar Milk Tea with a fresh pastry.

#FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #DrinkSpecial #SeattleEats
Meet Tim, FareStart Barista & Customer Service Program Trainer, who works with young adults to develop their job skills. He's the inspiration behind FareStart Restaurant’s June drink special: Tim’s Brown Sugar Milk Tea.

Inspired by Yuenyeung, a drink Tim grew up with, this special blends cold brew, black tea, brown sugar and cream for a cup that’s bold and comforting.

Stop in this month and order Tim’s Brown Sugar Milk Tea with a fresh pastry.

#FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #DrinkSpecial #SeattleEats
Meet Tim, FareStart Barista & Customer Service Program Trainer, who works with young adults to develop their job skills. He's the inspiration behind FareStart Restaurant’s June drink special: Tim’s Brown Sugar Milk Tea. Inspired by Yuenyeung, a drink Tim grew up with, this special blends cold brew, black tea, brown sugar and cream for a cup that’s bold and comforting. Stop in this month and order Tim’s Brown Sugar Milk Tea with a fresh pastry. #FareStart #FareStartRestaurant #DrinkSpecial #SeattleEats
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
Spend your Tuesday evening in Ballard for a good cause. On Tuesday, June 2, 5–9 p.m., @reubensbrews is hosting a Gratituesday event benefiting FareStart. Stop by for great beer, good company and a chance to support job training and pathways to employment in our community.

We’re grateful to the Reuben’s team for choosing FareStart as this month’s community partner. We hope to see you there!

P.S. They also have non-alcoholic options on the menu, so more folks can join in.

#FareStart #ReubensBrews #BallardSeattle
Spend your Tuesday evening in Ballard for a good cause. On Tuesday, June 2, 5–9 p.m., @reubensbrews is hosting a Gratituesday event benefiting FareStart. Stop by for great beer, good company and a chance to support job training and pathways to employment in our community. We’re grateful to the Reuben’s team for choosing FareStart as this month’s community partner. We hope to see you there! P.S. They also have non-alcoholic options on the menu, so more folks can join in. #FareStart #ReubensBrews #BallardSeattle
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
Tickets are now on sale for FareStart’s 34th Annual Gala on Sunday, October 18. ✨ Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the achievements of FareStart students and the community that makes this work possible. As FareStart’s largest fundraising event of the year, the Gala supports transformational job training programs that help students gain skills, secure meaningful employment and build more stable futures for themselves and their families. Early-bird pricing is available through June 30: $345 individual tickets and $3,450 tables for 10. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the power of opportunity, community and fresh starts. Learn more and reserve your seats today through the link in bio. #FareStart #FareStartGala #SeattleEvents #CommunityImpact
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/5

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