As a result of the restrictions associated with Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home Stay Healthy” order, many King County farmers have lost market share and associated sales.
King County has contracted with Harvest Against Hunger (HAH), a local non-profit organization with extensive experience connecting farm businesses to emergency food system providers. HAH operates an existing program called King County Farmers Share that facilitates connections between area food banks, senior meal provider programs and local King County farmers.
The CARES Act funding provided by the King County Council will allow that program increase purchases by existing food banks and senior meal providers and expand to new organizations.
The relief funding will allow food banks and senior meal providers to purchase produce directly from farmers, which gives local farmers an additional, much-needed market option and increases access to fresh, local farm products by income-challenged residents.
King County Council has allocated $300,000 for this program ($150,000 for farm to foodbank and $150,000 for senior meal programs).