Piloting New Ways to Shop the Free Community Market

We continue to see higher numbers of shoppers and guests than ever before. With the increased numbers, we also have longer lines outside the building each morning. To reduce wait times and offer new options for our shoppers, our team has been thinking creatively about solutions.

Fast order sheets are available in many languages.

As we did in the fall by expanding our hours, the front desk and community market staff are piloting some new programs. Over this past month, we launched a test of two new shopping options: Fast Orders and Shopping Reservations.

Beginning last month, we began offering Fast Order shopping for those in line. Shoppers can fill out a Fast Order form and drop it off with staff. Our team then shops and packs their groceries!

Along with specifying dietary restrictions such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal, shoppers have the option to make two special requests on the Fast Order. This maintains a level of choice and customization while allowing the line to move more quickly.

Ballard Food Bank staff members pack up groceries in the Community Market.

We also rolled out the first Shopping Reservations on July 22nd. This system allows a specific number of people to reserve a half-hour shopping window one week in advance. 

So far these two options have complemented our current number system for walk-in shopping. Shoppers have been pleased with the options and we've already heard from many people that the reservation system in particular has improved their shopping experience.

The food bank team continues to brainstorm ideas for how to address the long lines and wait times, but we're encouraged by the initial success of these programs!