Shoreline Farmers Market named first farmers market finalist in history for 2026 BECU People Helping People Award; Public voting open through October 16, 2026

The Shoreline Farmers Market is honored to announce its selection as a finalist in the 2026 BECU People Helping People Awards. The finalist selection awards the local non-profit a $15,000 grant dedicated to growing its Small Business Incubation Program.

This nomination marks a historic milestone: the Shoreline Farmers Market is the first farmers market ever to become a finalist in the history of the BECU People Helping People Awards.

The market has now advanced to Phase 2 of the award process to compete for the $40,000 People’s Choice Award, decided entirely by public vote. 

If selected, the Shoreline Farmers Market will use the $40,000 top prize to expand its Senior Food Access Programming, helping ensure low-income local seniors in Shoreline have reliable access to fresh, healthy, regionally grown produce.

Public voting is open now and runs through Friday, October 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST at becu.org/awards.

Voting is free and open to all individuals aged 18 and older with a valid email address; voters do not need to be BECU members.

"We are so proud to be finalists alongside such inspiring organizations doing amazing work across our region," said Laura, Board President.

"As the first farmers market nominated for this award, we know that we share the message of the power of farmers markets to help others with our diverse regional farmers market community.”

Throughout its 15-year history, the Shoreline Farmers Market has served as both an essential community health hub and a business launchpad for regional farmers, food producers, and artisans.

• Voting Details:Where to Vote: Visit becu.org/awards
• Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST
• Rules: Open to the public (age 18+; one vote per email address; no BECU membership required).

The Shoreline Farmers Market is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and everyone is welcome. The market takes place every Saturday through October 31, 2026, from 10:00am to 2:00pm at 18821 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133 (in the Shoreline Park & Ride lot at 192nd & Aurora).

The season will conclude on Saturday, October 31st with a special Harvest Market, featuring trick-or-treating for families, a vibrant celebration of our market community, and a festive send-off for our 15th anniversary season.

To learn more about the Shoreline Farmers Market and its food access initiatives, visit: shorelinefarmersmarket.org.

About the Shoreline Farmers Market

The Shoreline Farmers Market is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a vibrant community gathering space, increasing fresh food access for all residents, and incubating local small businesses and sustainable regional agriculture.

About the BECU People Helping People Awards

The annual BECU People Helping People Awards recognize and grant funding to community-nominated non-profits serving Western Washington, carrying forward the credit union philosophy of "people helping people."