University District Food Bank
More Than a Meal
This gala fundraising film spotlights the partnership between the University District Food Bank and Luam Werson, the owner of Mojito Seattle, whose personal history as a refugee fuels a mission of radical hospitality. Having once relied on community support himself, Luam now provides hundreds of weekly meals to the Food Bank’s Apple a Day Cafe. Luam’s belief that food is a fundamental right rather than a favor serves as the heartbeat of the story, illustrating how individuals can fortify a community against systemic challenges.
Packs For Kids - Program Spotlight
Packs for Kids addresses the critical "weekend gap" for students who depend on school-provided breakfast and lunch throughout the week. Program Coordinator, Liz Benko explains how this initiative at the University District Food Bank has scaled from serving 15 children to over 700 across 14 schools, providing the essential nutrition needed for academic and social success. By tackling food insecurity on a child-by-child basis, the story highlights the vital link between consistent access to food and a child's ability to learn, grow, and thrive.
Rooftop to Table
This gala fundraising film explores the "magical" ecosystem within the University District Food Bank, where fresh produce travels directly from the roof to the community’s plate. Arra, the chef at the Apple a Day Cafe, works alongside Rooftop Roots farm manager Shanelle to transform grocery rescue and hyper-local harvests into dignified, culturally relevant meals. By focusing on the autonomy and care provided by this unique, integrated model, the story illustrates a deep commitment to feeding the community with both health and respect.