What is Local Food?
We define “local” as food that is grown, caught, raised, or made in Washington State. But, more importantly, we think ‘local’ should signify an area where you could feasibly “know your farmer.” We have an abundance of food available in our state, and “local” food is more than just measuring miles – it’s getting to know farmers, fisherman, and food producers that are part of our communities.
Our Vision
We envision a resilient, equitable, community food system where people are connected to their local farms and food businesses wherever they live, work, shop, visit and eat in Washington State.
Our Mission
To play a foundational role in strengthening the connections between local food, local communities, and regional economies by being the go-to resource for finding food that is grown, raised, harvested, and made in our state.
Eat Local First
Eat Local First is the trusted source for finding local farms and identifying the restaurants, markets, and food businesses that purchase from local food producers.
Sustainable Connections’ Food & Farming Program launched the Eat Local First campaign in 2011 to encourage people in Northwest Washington – residents and visitors alike – to choose local food first.
A statewide resource
In 2018 the campaign was adopted by food systems organizations on the Olympic Peninsula, and is now expanding to be utilized statewide to connect Washingtonians with local farmers, fishers, and food businesses.
Partners from around the state worked together to merge different online farm finder tools into one comprehensive, easy-to-use, online Washington Food & Farm Finder. The network is expanding daily with new listings added and new partnerships in support of representing farms and food businesses.
Eat Local First Collaborative
These partners make up the Eat Local First Collaborative: Pierce County Fresh, Sustainable Connections, The Local Food Trust, Tilth Alliance, Washington State University Food Systems Program and Washington State University Regional Small Farms Program serving Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap, and with future participation from other regional partners. Is your region interested in joining us?
Click here to learn more about opportunities to work together.
