CHPW staff rolled up their sleeves and spent a day volunteering at Solid Ground’s third annual Day of Service, on Aug. 21, 2026, an event that brings community members together through hands-on projects rooted in care, connection, and collective action. CHPW staff volunteered at Marra Farm in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood, where they joined other community members in supporting a farm that provides fresh, organic produce to local food banks, meal programs, health clinics, and other organizations throughout southwest Seattle.
CHPW’s involvement began before volunteers arrived at the farm. Through Solid Ground’s Pack It Forward campaign, CHPW helped support more than 100 children and young people with new backpacks and school supplies. The support also provided graphing calculators for high school students enrolled in advanced math courses, helping remove barriers to educational opportunities.
At Marra Farm, CHPW volunteers worked alongside Solid Ground staff and other volunteers to harvest more than 300 pounds of fresh produce for South Park food banks in just three hours. They also weeded and mulched garden beds, helping prepare the farm for a strong fall harvest.
The volunteer opportunity aligned closely with CHPW’s commitment to improving health outcomes and addressing the social factors that influence health. Solid Ground focuses on reducing poverty and addressing systemic inequities through food access, housing support, transportation assistance, community programs, and advocacy efforts, many of which affect the same communities CHPW serves.
“It was inspiring to see CHPW staff come together, dig in, and contribute in a tangible way,” said Rachel Briegel, CHPW Health & Homes Program Manager and the staff member who organized the CHPW volunteers. “The day was a reminder that building healthier communities happens through both our work and the partnerships and service that connect us to the communities we serve.”
As a local, not-for-profit health plan, CHPW recognizes that health is shaped by more than access to healthcare. Nutritious food, stable housing, strong relationships, and opportunities to thrive all contribute to community well-being. Through CHPW’s Volunteer Time Off program, employees receive 40 hours of paid time each year to support causes that matter to them and the communities where they live. By supporting organizations like Solid Ground and encouraging employees to engage through volunteer service, CHPW continues to invest in stronger, healthier communities across Washington.
