Have We Met? Anne Travis-Barker, Hand and Hand Community Development, Food Equity Fund Project 

Have We Met? is a special storytelling series celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. Throughout the next 365 days, we’re introducing the people who help shape Seattle’s neighborhoods every day; gardeners, volunteers, organizers, advocates, artists, leaders, City staff, and neighbors who care deeply about their communities. These short conversations offer a glimpse into the lives, passions, and places that embody our work and make Seattle feel like home.

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Hand and Hand Community Development (HHCD) is a non-profit organization serving the most vulnerable in our communities, including senior citizens, people experiencing homelessness, families facing food insecurity, and other disadvantaged individuals. Support from the Food Equity Fund helped HHCD deliver weekly meals to homebound seniors and unhoused residents in Seattle and provide food bags to low-income seniors residing in Rainier Valley and Rainier Beach neighborhoods. We connected with HHCD Director, Anne Travis-Barker to understand what food equity looks like in different communities, how she got started in this work, and the barriers people face when it comes to food access.  

What inspired you to start or join food equity work? 

Helping people has always been a calling in my life. It began with my grandmother, Bessie, in Forrest County, Mississippi. She always opened her home to people who needed help, making sure no one went without food or compassion. My mother, Edna, continued that legacy in Tacoma by preparing meals and feeding people in need throughout our community. 

Both women often said, “Real living is giving. Always work to make a difference.” Those words have stayed with me throughout my life. Wherever I am, I ask myself, “What can I do to improve this situation?” That calling led me to dedicate my life to food equity and serving those most in need. As I continued to see people standing or lying outside stores asking for food and help. I also met many seniors who struggled to afford basic groceries, I knew I had to act. 

One experience has never left me. I noticed an elderly woman purchasing cans of cat food. Her shopping basket was shaking because it was so heavy. I smiled and asked, “How many cats are waiting for dinner?” She quietly replied that the food was actually for her because it was cheaper than regular food. 

I immediately told her, “Please let me buy you some groceries.” I asked my grandchild to get another shopping basket, and together we filled it with healthy food. I have never forgotten that moment. No American should have to eat cat food because they cannot afford groceries. That experience strengthened my commitment to making sure people have access to nutritious food. We believe everyone deserves access to healthy food and to be treated with dignity and respect. 

How does food bring people together where you live? What does food security mean in your community? 

Food is a universal language. It creates community, dignity, and connection and brings people together regardless of age, culture, or background.  

We deliver food bags to seniors at Lilac Lodge, many of whom are homebound or living with disabilities. They share with us their dietary needs and cultural preferences, and they also look after one another by exchanging food items they cannot use for ones their neighbors need. This helps remind people that they are not forgotten. 

My community is made up of several major ethnic groups, each with unique cultural traditions and food preferences. Food security means more than simply providing enough food—it also means ensuring that people have access to foods that are culturally familiar, nutritious, and respectful of their traditions. 

To meet these needs, we regularly interact with community members to understand their preferences and dietary requirements. For example, we learn which cuts of lamb are preferred by certain cultural groups and identify local stores that stock these specific items. By staying informed about the diverse food needs within our community, we can provide food that not only supports health and nutrition but also honors cultural identity and dignity. This approach helps build trust, promotes food security, and ensures that everyone feels respected and valued. 

What does food justice look like in everyday life? 

Food justice means that everyone has equal access to healthy, nutritious food, regardless of income, age, or where they live. Unfortunately, statistics continue to show that disadvantaged communities often have limited access to balanced meals. 

That is why we intentionally prepare complete, nutritious meals that include protein, vegetables, fruit, pastries, hot coffee, and water. Serving these meals hot ensures that individuals receive the greatest nutritional value while also experiencing the dignity of sharing a freshly prepared meal. 

Every week we see more people who cannot afford enough nutritious food to feed themselves or their families. For many individuals, the meal we provide may be the only balanced meal they receive that day. Providing healthy, nutritious food is no longer just an act of kindness, it is becoming a critical response to a growing crisis. That is why this work matters. Every meal we serve reminds someone that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten. 

What barriers do people face when it comes to food access? 

There are several significant barriers that families and individuals face when trying to access healthy food. 

First, there are not enough food banks or food storage facilities that are adequately stocked with the essential items people need. Many food providers also struggle to offer culturally relevant foods that reflect the diverse backgrounds of the communities they serve. 

Second, funding has become an increasing challenge. Many businesses and organizations that previously donated food or financial support have reduced or discontinued their contributions because of budget limitations and economic pressures. 

Finally, location and accessibility remain major obstacles. Food distribution sites are not always conveniently located, transportation can be difficult, and limited operating hours often prevent working families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities from accessing available resources. 
 

How do neighbors support this work? 

Our neighbors play an essential role in supporting our work. Every Wednesday, our Food Pantry serves neighbors who have signed up for assistance, creating a reliable source of nutritious food for families, seniors, and individuals in need. Through our partnership with the City of Seattle, we distribute approximately 40 regular food bags, 12 senior food bags, and 150 meals for individuals experiencing homelessness each week. Whenever additional donations are received from community members, businesses, or partner organizations, we can exceed these numbers and serve even more people. The generosity of our neighbors, volunteers, and community partners makes it possible for us to continue meeting the growing need for food assistance. 

How has your work changed lives, even in small ways? 

The greatest measure of our impact comes from the people we serve. One gentleman experiencing homelessness shared that our organization provides “the best food” because we offer balanced meals and include some type of meat every week. His words were deeply moving when he told us, “You are saving lives,” because many people had not eaten in three days before receiving one of our meals. 

Comments like his remind us that our work is about far more than distributing food. We are restoring hope, preserving dignity, and helping people survive difficult circumstances. Even a single nutritious meal can make the difference between despair and hope and knowing that we have helped someone through another day inspires us to continue serving our community with compassion. 

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Learn more about the Food Equity Fund: https://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/community-grants/food-equity-fund

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