|
The local food team shares articles, exclusive interviews, and project updates that tell the story of how we are building a stronger, more resilient local food system. To measure the success of local food programs, we have identified 10 indicators of success that measure how well we are doing in our efforts to create a stronger, more affordable food system. Each article is directly connected to one or more of our 10 indicators of success which are shown below and will also be shown in each article. Click on the indicator icons for more information about our initiative!
Did you know King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks has an Instagram page?
The Local Food Initiative will be sharing our stories on this page, so give us a follow if you're interested in hearing more about our work!
With more than 40 farmers markets spread across King County you are never far from farm fresh, local food. All of the King County farmers markets are now open for the summer season.
When you purchase food at farmers markets you know exactly where your food comes from and how it was grown. By supporting farmers markets, you are supporting a sustainable regional food system that helps small family farms stay in business; protects land from development; and provides all of us with fresh, delicious, local food.
King County farmers markets offer a variety of local produce and artisan foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, cheeses, milk, jams and jellies, wines and sauces, breads, seafood, and plants and flowers.
Read DNRP's blog post about farmers market fun facts, how you can find the closest farmers market to you, and market tips and tricks to help you prepare for your next visit!
|
 Sweet Harvest Farm is a small vegetable farm located a mile outside Carnation, Washington that uses sustainable growing practices aimed at providing produce with the best taste and nutrition possible. The Local Food team spoke with Margaret Hindle, owner of Sweet Harvest, to hear about her small-scale farming operation, the challenges to small-scale farming, and how she has connected her passion for growing food to her other passions.
Read more on King County DNRP's blog here.
For more information about Sweet Harvest Farm, please visit their website here.
Related indicators:
|
 Impact Bioenergy™, a startup company that was formed in 2013 in Seattle, converts restaurant compost bin waste and spent yeast from breweries into renewable energy and organic plant food. Impact Bioenergy’s mission is to change the paradigm and get food “waste” to be recognized as a valuable renewable resource, which empowers communities by making renewable energy and organic plant food locally through organic materials recycling.
King County Solid Waste Division (SWD) has supported Impact Bioenergy through their commercial food waste grants for projects that aim to reduce food waste generated by the commercial sector (non-residential) within King County.
The Local Food team spoke with Srirup Kumar, Community Engagement Officer at Impact Bioenergy, to learn more about why bioenergy is valuable to King County farmers and residents and how a circular economy is being created on Vashon Island.
Visit King County DNRP's blog for the full article.
Related indicator:
|
King County Solid Waste Division is seeking to provide financial support in the form of grants up to $50,000 per project that will prevent or reduce food waste (edible and/or non-edible food) generated by the commercial (non-residential) sector within King County, outside of the cities of Seattle and Milton. The intent of this grant program is to fund projects that move King County further toward its Zero Waste and climate change goals. Visit https://procurement.kingcounty.gov/procurement_ovr/default.aspx to access the proposal documents. Proposals are due July 2.
Eligible proposals will focus on preventing or reducing commercially- or institutionally- generated edible and/or non-edible food waste. Priority will be given to projects that are innovative, focus on food rescue, and/or address the County’s Equity and Social Justice value (see https://kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx).
From developing an app that matches edible food donors with food banks to designing a community anaerobic digesting system for Vashon Island, the Division has awarded seven commercial food waste grants to date. For more information on these projects, visit https://kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp/solid-waste/garbage-recycling/compost-more/commercial-grant.aspx
|
Related indicator:
|
|
