Non-Discrimination Policy

The Lynnwood Food Bank's mission is to assist people who are hungry in the City of Lynnwood and South Snohomish County by providing a highly efficient food distribution center.  Because of our commitment to continue being a friend to our neighborhood, we believe that equal opportunity is important for our community's continuing success.  In accordance with state, federal, and municipal laws, we intend to comply with these laws which preclude negative discrimination because of race, disability, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, or any other protected classification. Our intention is to treat every person with respect and dignity and to help our community through trying times. If you have any concerns, please contact the Food Bank Director at lynnwoodfoodbank@comcast.net. Clients will never be denied service for refusal to provide information, will never need to provide SSN, identification, proof of income, household size or citizenship.


Rights of the Customer

  • The right to be treated with respect and dignity.
  • The right to receive services which are non-discriminatory and sensitive to differences of race, culture, language, sex, age, national origin, disability, creed, and socioeconomic status.
  • The right to confidentiality.
  • The right to lodge a grievance with the provider, if the client believes his/her rights have been violated.
  • The right to receive services without being asked to make a donation of time or money in exchange for food assistance.
  • The right to receive services without being required to participate in religious or political activity.
  • The right to receive services without being required to show proof of national residency or a social security card.

Rights of Lynnwood Food Bank

  • The Agency has the right to refuse service to a client if:
  • The client is intoxicated/ under the influence and/or brings alcohol or drugs onto the property.
  • The client is belligerent and disrespectful to agency staff, volunteers, or other clients/customers.
  • The client verbally or physically assaults any volunteer or client or threatens verbal or physical assault.
  • The client commits a crime, including theft, while on property.
  • The client brings a firearm or any type of a weapon onto the property.
  • The client fails to comply with staff/volunteer requests.
  • The client harasses the staff/volunteers on social media or other platforms.
  • The agency has the right to verbally request information on the Food Bank intake form and request number of persons in household and ages for statistical purposes. Documentation/proof is not required for service.
  • The agency has the right to determine its own hours of operation and service guidelines as long as availability to clients is a priority, all clients are served equally and capacity is available.

Photos and Videos

Due to client confidentiality, we will never take your photo or video without your written permission.


In turn, we ask that you respect our volunteer's privacy and give them the same respect. Do not take photos/ videos without asking their permission first. 


Thank you.

Food Issues

We obtain some of our food from Northwest Harvest, Food Lifeline, government commodities and purchases, however the majority of our food is donated by businesses and private individuals. Efforts have been made to sort through this food and dispose of any food products determined to be unusable.

 

If you have a complaint regarding the food you have received, please notify Lynnwood Food Bank at (425) 745-1635, who will determine the source so that any problems can be brought to the attention of both the donor and the people responsible for sorting through it.  Thank you.

Grievance Procedure

As a person using the Lynnwood Food Bank, you are entitled to expect that:


1.    You will be treated with dignity and respect by all staff and volunteers.

2.    You will be provided services in a non-discriminatory manner, without bias due to race, sexual orientation, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental handicap, marital status, or because such person is a recipient of federal, state or local public assistance, or disabled veteran.

3.    You can report complaints without fear of services being stopped or reduced, and without fear of mistreatment.


If you have a problem at the food bank with a volunteer or have other service concerns, you have a right to speak to the Food Bank Director, Alissa, at the Food Bank or by calling (425) 745-1635.

 

If you have a problem with a staff member, you are encouraged to attempt to resolve the problem directly with the staff member involved. If this is not possible, you have the right to speak with the Food Bank Director (see above).

 

If you cannot reach satisfactory resolution through one of these mechanisms, your complaint can be referred to LynnwoodFoodBank@Comcast.Net. Thank you.