Employee Giving Program Nonprofits that are fighting hunger and building food security
The Employee Giving Program (EGP) and our Annual Giving Drive provide employees with tools to support food access for communities in moments of uncertainty and the long term.
Food banks and pantries, meal programs, food distributors, community centers and other groups are currently preparing to significantly increase their service capacity which will require additional resources. Supporting these organizations by volunteering and donating requested items can address immediate needs around program funding and food supplies. Long term, material support will prepare these groups to replenish their current supplies and serve the growing demand.
Here are several EGP nonprofits that provide food and hunger services. Learn more.
To see the full list and discover more, search online and filter results by clicking the “Category” dropdown menu and checking the box next to “food and hunger” or review the “Food and Hunger” section of the 2025 Giving Guide of nonprofits by service category, linked in the Table of Contents.
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Executive Braddock statement on King County’s response to federal government’s delayed SNAP funding
In response to the ongoing need for food security and hunger relief during the federal government shutdown, Executive Shannon Braddock issued the following statement:
“The ongoing government shutdown has threatened the health and well-being of individuals and families, particularly those who rely on federal funding and programs for food security. I am heartened to see how strongly our region and state have responded to support those at risk of losing SNAP benefits, from individuals and community organizations to businesses and local governments. Their compassion and support show the strength of our communities during these uncertain times.
Here in King County, we recognize the importance of addressing this issue, which is why I proposed $4 million in my biennial budget to support food security. It is also why we partnered with the City of Seattle to create a $2 million contingency plan for King County residents receiving Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits when those were at risk of running out last month. Read more.
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Reminder to take Pulse Survey on Employee Communications
The pulse survey email is legitimate message—not spam—and the survey only takes about 10 minutes to complete.
The Department of Human Resources (DHR) is conducting a survey about employee communications and tracking progress on the Employee Engagement Survey that was sent in March. Last week, all Executive Branch employees (excluding Short-term Temporary positions) received an email from Qualtrics with the subject “King County Employee Pulse Survey: Together We Thrive.” This email is not spam. The survey takes about 10 minutes and is confidential. Please complete the survey by Nov. 14.
We want to hear from you so we can learn what tools, channels, and information you use and need to do your job effectively and thrive in your King County career. We look forward to listening to and acting on your feedback so we can create a workplace culture where all King County employees can thrive. We will act on your responses and move forward together in alignment with our value, “We are one team.”
If you have any questions, please contact employeeexperience@kingcounty.gov.
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Open Enrollment is live!
Open Enrollment is underway. Ensure you have the right benefits in place for you and your family for next year by completing Open Enrollment by Nov. 15. Check out the following resources to learn more about your benefit choices:
- Go to the Open Enrollment web page to see the 2026 Key Benefit Changes.
- Stop by a Benefit Fair 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Here is the schedule for this week:
- Tuesday, Nov. 4, King County Equipment Maintenance, 155 Monroe Ave NE, Renton, J Bldg.
- Wednesday, Nov. 5, Atlantic/Central Transit Base, 1500 6th Ave S, Seattle, 2nd floor classroom
- Thursday, Nov. 6, South Transit Base, 12100 E Marginal Way S, Tukwila, 2nd floor classroom
- Friday, Nov. 7, East Transit Base, 1975 124th Ave NE, Bellevue, 2nd floor classroom
- Register for an Open Enrollment information session.
- Watch the Open Enrollment Overview video.
Ready to go?
When you’re ready, use your work computer or personal device to login to PeopleSoft Nov. 1 – 15, and select the Open Enrollment tile. Make your changes, review your Preview Statement, then use the Submit Enrollment button. For help with PeopleSoft, call the IT Service Center at 206-263-4357. Go to Open Enrollment.
If you don’t participate in Open Enrollment:
- A Spouse Benefit Access Fee will automatically apply if you cover your spouse or state-registered domestic partner on your medical plan. If you qualify for an exemption, you must confirm this each year during Open Enrollment.
- You will not be enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Health Care and Dependent Day Care FSAs save you money by reducing your taxable income. You must re-enroll every year during Open Enrollment.
- Your current benefit plan elections will remain the same for next year, unless you are enrolled in the KingCare Select Virginia Mason Franciscan Health or Eastside Health network, which will no longer be offered.
Need assistance?
If you have questions or need language assistance or disability support services, contact the Benefits team:
- Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations
- Chinook Building, 2nd Floor
- 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
- 206-684-1556 or KC Benefits
- 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday
Closed on Veterans Day: Nov. 11
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Tips for a scary-good Halloween with your pet
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC
Halloween is “spook-tacular” for kids of all ages, but the holiday can be pretty scary for our pets. Regional Animal Services of King County would like to remind pet owners of a few safety tips before the ghosts and goblins come begging on Oct. 31.
- Never feed candy to your pet, especially chocolate. If you suspect your dog or cat has gotten into Halloween treats, contact your veterinarian right away.
- Costumes can be scary to some pets. If your pet is easily spooked by strangers or loud noises, consider keeping them safe in a pet crate or confined to a quiet room while trick-or-treaters are out. Also, if your pet is normally kept outside, consider bringing them inside on Halloween, or keep them in your garage or basement during the festivities.
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Make this weekend a voting weekend!
King County Elections is projecting just 45% turnout for this election but they would love to see more folks make their voices heard. The local elections on our ballot will shape our communities for years to come.
If you need assistance with anything, give KCE a call at 206-296-VOTE, or visit a Vote Center this weekend. Vote Center locations and hours are available at kce.wiki/VoteCenter
And if you do spend time this weekend voting and get a good photo, you can tag @kcelections on Instagram, Bluesky, or even LinkedIn!
For more information visit kingcounty.gov/elections.
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Boost the impact of arts and culture with the Annual Giving Drive
With Halloween coming up, it’s easy to be inspired by all the fun costumes, eye-catching decorations, and entertaining movies — plus related traditions like the Haitian Fèt Gede, Irish Samhain, Mexican Día de los Muertos and Filipino Undas. It’s just as easy to take for granted the time, training, resources, skills and knowledge required to create much of the art we enjoy every day. We are surrounded by creative potential that is nurtured, developed and amplified by arts and culture nonprofits.
The Annual Giving Drive is a great way to support these organizations spanning the many creative disciplines and cultures that enrich our communities.
Here are a few EGP nonprofits that work in these areas. Read more.
Start or renew your pledge through Employee Giving on PeopleSoft by Nov. 14. If you are renewing your pledge, remember to click “Continue” then “Confirm” in order to complete the process.
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Driving Excellence: Jack Millman Named King County Metro’s Operator of the Year
Crossposted from Metro Matters
Every day, hundreds of thousands of riders step onto King County Metro buses and count on a smooth, safe and welcoming ride. For many lucky passengers, that ride has been in the capable hands of Jack Millman — a driver whose calm presence and consistent kindness have made commutes better and lives brighter. Now, Jack Millman, who has delivered exceptional service for more than two decades, has been named King County Metro’s Operator of the Year.
“Today, it is my absolute privilege to recognize Jack — someone who represents the very best of who we are and what we strive to be,” King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison said during a ceremony honoring Millman on Oct. 28. Read more.
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King County announces major workforce investment after new findings show federal funding cuts, cost of living threaten nonprofit sector
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections
King County Executive Shannon Braddock announced recently that the county will invest up to $25 million through 2026 to support nonprofit human service providers and workers with higher wages, cost-of-living subsidies, improved benefits, hiring and retention bonuses, professional development, and more.
Recent findings from King County’s Nonprofit Wage & Benefit Survey and Nonprofit Employee Engagement Survey show how reductions in federal funding, rising cost of living, economic uncertainty, declining individual donations, volunteer shortages, and other factors are threatening the sector’s viability.
This investment is made possible through the voter-approved Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL), a local funding source. Read more.
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Discounts available for the Pacific Northwest Ballet Nutcracker performances, Lion King, and more
Employees can now take advantage of a special 20% discount off of select Pacific Northwest Ballet performances in the 2025/2026 season, featuring The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Firebird, and more! Purchase tickets at the link here.
King County employees can also receive discounted tickets for Disney’s The Lion King, playing at the Paramount Theatre December 2025 through January 2026. Discounted tickets can be purchased here, no promo code needed. For more information, view this flyer.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
Employee News 