Food banks in Snohomish County are seeing historic demand from residents in need of help. Thousands of people are struggling to keep up with rising costs for food, gas, and utilities. 

In July 2026, a survey found that 42% of county residents don’t have enough food to eat, and 36% use at least one form of food assistance. Those numbers will jump even higher by Jan. 1 when new federal rules change who's eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.

Today, several local organizations and agencies are stepping in with resources, and Community Transit is helping you get there.

Reduced fare program

CT offers reduced fares for qualifying seniors (65+), riders with disabilities, and low-income residents. Learn more and enroll on our website.

Food banks

Snohomish County has 20 food banks across the region, all accessible by transit. Find the most convenient location and route.

Other local resources

The county has other programs and partnerships that help families with everyday basic needs, including emergency housing, utility discounts, food pantries, and childcare.

Community Resource Center of Stanwood Camano
Stanwood | Route 240

Korean Community Service Center
Lynnwood | Routes 101, 166, Swift Orange Line

LINC NW
Marysville | Route 240

Lutheran Community Services Northwest
Lynnwood | Routes 101, 166, Swift Orange Line

North Counties Family Services
Darrington | Route 230

The Clearwater School
Bothell | Routes 106, Swift Green Line

Take the Next Step
Monroe | Route 271

Grocery stores

Community Transit has several ways you can catch a ride to the grocery store:

Local bus
Use the Plan My Trip tool to map out your next grocery run. Many stores are along our routes, including Fred Meyer, Grocery Outlet, QFC, Safeway, and Walmart. Don’t forget about your local neighborhood stores like Punjabi Grocery and Market, Rancho Grande, and Imran’s Market.

Swift bus rapid transit
Riders can also take Swift Blue, Green, and Orange lines for fast and frequent service to their favorite supermarket. Buses come every 10 minutes during the week and every 15-20 minutes in the evenings and on weekends.

Paratransit
DART Paratransit services are available for riders with disabilities within three-quarters of a mile of our local, fixed-route bus service. Check our website for maps and the application process.

Zip Shuttle
You can ride Zip Shuttle, an on-demand rideshare service covering Alderwood, Arlington, Darrington, and Lake Stevens. Call (425) 521-5600 or 833-DIAL-ZIP (342-5947). You can also download the Zip Shuttle app to your smartphone to request pick-up and drop-off at any location within the Zip zones. 

More information

• Check our website for more guides on how to use Community Transit services.
  
• The Housing Authority of Snohomish County also has a guide to commonly requested resources.
  
• For statewide help, contact WA 211.