2025-2026 Report: Setting New Records, Facing New Challenges
Serving more clients with more meals and groceries,
seeing more clients with memory loss and other cognitive issues
Hello friends!
As you read this report, you may be asking, what’s the deal with the refrigerator? Fair question! This summer, we replaced the Senior Center's refrigeration system that helped us serve over one million free meals since 2006. So, we are honoring the old refrigerator’s legacy of generous service with the art our report this summer.
We broke many records in 2025. We served the most bags of groceries and the most free meals to the largest client population in the agency’s history! With your support, we met the demand caused by high prices and cuts to the social safety net.
New challenges are shaping 2026. Replacing an entire refrigeration system in the midst of a bustling human services agency is a doozy!
But our biggest new challenge is the growing number of low-income and homeless seniors with memory loss. There is no clear path to find the right level of care. We try to serve these vulnerable elders, but we are struggling. That said, we have two factors on our side: 1) we work tirelessly to find good help and 2) we are surrounded by a caring community who have a track record of keeping PMSC-FB strong through tough times.
Keep reading! There’s a lot to know and plenty to look forward to. And if you are able to make a donation, we would love your help.
Mason Lowe, Deputy Director
Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank
Homeless & Isolated Seniors with Memory Loss
The newest challenge we are facing is the increase in Senior Center members who have memory loss and other cognitive issues. Their numbers are growing, but we have learned that there is no clear path to an appropriate level of care for these vulnerable seniors. You may have seen our op-ed published in the Seattle Times in July, “Seniors with dementia deserve help, not handcuffs.”
Some resources exist, but coordinating care is nearly impossible because the seniors are unable to keep appointments with the agencies who can intervene.
We are tracking about 15 low-income and homeless seniors with serious cognitive challenges. This small population has a huge impact on us. We are working hard on their behalf, but we are struggling. And we feel very uneasy sending them back out into the city when we close each day.
We are working with government and non-profit partners to address the situation. PMSC-FB is advocating for:
• A survey of Seattle senior centers and homeless shelters to determine how many unsupported elders are facing cognitive decline.
• A dedicated shelter where these vulnerable seniors can be safe and assessed for specialized care.
There is a long road ahead. If you have insights or ideas, please send an email to: mason@pikemarket.org
The Importance of a Reliable Refrigerator
Building Community & Breaking Records!
Client population:
In 2025, the Senior Center welcomed 1,583 unique individuals. This broke the population
record set back in 2019. It’s great to bring seniors together in the Market!
The Food Bank served 7,347 people with grocery service, home delivery, or the ready-to-eat food that we make available to our neighbors who are homeless - also a new record.
Food Bank services:
The Food Bank served our neighborhood with
a combined 89,407 bags of groceries and ready-to-eat meal bags. The ready-to-eat
program, our fastest growing service, pushed the Food Bank into record-breaking territory.
Senior meals:
The busy, friendly kitchen staff at the
Senior Center prepared and served 67,304 breakfasts and lunches in 2025, an
all-time record!
In addition to nutrition, gathering older adults for meals is a wonderful way to alleviate social isolation - a major health risk for low-income seniors.
Visualizing the growing need and high performance:
This graph captures the significant growth in our Food Bank and Meals Program services over the last ten years.
What do all these big numbers mean?
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The growing client population tells us that our services are valuable to our neighbors and that the need for food assistance remains high.
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High prices and cuts to the social safety net increase the demand for meals and groceries.
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Reduced food, medical, and financial benefits may push more people into homelessness.
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Our ability meet growing demand demonstrates that PMSC-FB is flexible and efficient.
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Since 2021, older clients (60+) abruptly began making up a larger part of the population - jumping from 70% to 85% of the Senior Center client population. Older clients generally need more services.
Events
Good things to add to your calendar!
Donor & Volunteer Appreciation - Sat, October 24th
Join your fellow Senior Center & Food Bank boosters on an exploration of the Pike Place Market! A scavenger hunt will be followed by festivities at the Food Bank. Watch your mailbox and inbox for more information!
Thanksgiving Dinner at Senior Center - Thurs, November 26th
A Thanksgiving feast served on linen for the members of the Senior Center. Limited volunteer slots available - info@pikemarket.org
...and of course
Volunteers and Senior Center members at a folk dance event. Click the image to learn more about volunteering today!
The 41st Annual Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
Sat, December 5th 12p - 3pm
Join the holiday fun at Pike Place Market as dozens of caroling teams raise money for PMSC-FB.
There are lots of ways to jump in the action! You can attend, you can form a caroling team, volunteer, or even sponsor this big, beloved, event. Email pamela@pikemarket.org for more information!
Brandi Carlisle and PMSC-FB director, Pamela Hinckley on stage at Figgy 2025.
