Program on the Environment

Despite being a global leader in agricultural production, the United States is home to 47 million food-insecure people, including 14 million children. In cities such as Seattle, the high cost of living and systemic inequality can further hinder equitable access to nutritious food. To investigate community-based approaches to improving food access, I partnered with the Pike Place Market Commons, a social service hub that supports low-income residents in downtown Seattle. In response to a 2021 survey discovering that 38% of Pike Place residents had unmet protein needs, the Commons developed the Protein Bucks program. This initiative enables Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to double their purchasing power for local protein products at three Pike Place Market vendors. Using a mixed-methods approach of tracking voucher redemption, vendor participation, and community engagement, I evaluated how the Protein Bucks program is effectively improving food access. Additionally, I examined how similar community-based food initiatives could be developed using this program’s model. Tracking the uniquely marked bucks by community and vendor revealed the program has a 73% participant retention rate for 2025. With ongoing cuts to federal food assistance, localized initiatives that help participants stretch their benefits are becoming increasingly vital. Protein Bucks highlights three principles for effective community food programs: low-barrier access, focus on protein-rich foods, and community-based design. Low-barrier access minimizes obstacles to participation, while a community-based design fosters lasting, personal connections. Grounding new programs in these principles will reduce the rampant food insecurity across the United States.