farmer Joaquin Lopez smiles while standing in his field in front of a greenhouse

Mariposa Farm Recovers; Thrives with Community Support

The gifts that Mariposa shares with their community – from Whatcom County to Seattle and beyond – have touched so many people, inviting care and connection to both food and the humans that grow it. Joaquin and Lis find these connections deeply rewarding. Joaquin adds, “We came back that year [2022] more motivated by...

Brandywine Kitchen, a beloved restaurant in downtown Bellingham, has always brought local food to the community in delicious and thoughtful ways. Now under the sole ownership of Azizi Tookas, and after the challenges of the pandemic, Brandywine is exploring creative ways of feeding and nourishing their customers – one local soup and sandwich combo at a time. ...

Located on 40 acres of Sauk-Suiattle, Upper Skagit, and Stillaguamish lands, Long Hearing Farm grows food to nourish their community and neighbors, listening to the past as well as to the future. As farmer-owner Elizabeth Bragg puts it, “Our mission at Long Hearing Farm is to grow food as if the lives of the...

Whatcom County is home to rich and abundant ecosystems, a passionate food and farming community, and engaged citizens. Why, then, do so many people in the local food system still struggle to grow, raise, access, and afford healthy and nutritious food? Why, and how, are our lands and seas vulnerable to climate change? And...

It’s no secret that farming, especially on small and medium scales, is a labor of love. Long hours, slim profit margins, and climate change all impact the ability of a small farm to grow and sell food in a way that is environmentally, financially, and personally sustainable.  In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic “disrupted food...

If you look up “pasty” in the dictionary, you’ll find an entry that reads something like this:   Pasty (pass-tee) n. | Savory hand pie originating in Cornwall England. A hearty meal miners took down to the tin mines.  Holly Bevan-Bumford, owner of Holly’s Meat Pies (locations in Bellingham and Everson WA), would agree with...

Tucked into the Mount Baker foothills, Small Acres Farm grows vibrant and nourishing food using renewable energy and sustainability practices – and their impact on this community is anything but small.  Chris Henderson and Mia Devine, co-owners and farmers, have grown Small Acres slowly over the years, operating the farm with a humility and...

Blaine, Washington is a beautiful town nestled against the Canadian border and the Salish Sea. While it’s known for its proximity to our friendly neighbors to the north and its marina, it’s quickly making a name for itself on the casual fine dining scene, in large part to the menu and vision of The Vault...

What began as two sheep in Lydia and Jared Strand’s backyard in Seattle has become Lydia’s Flock, a local farm with a flock of 120+ sheep and a deep desire to build a more sustainable and transparent food system.  Lydia and Jared’s journey as shepherds began in 2008. As Lydia recalls, “We bought a house...

As the season of epic road trips, adventures, and staycations kicks off, we’re highlighting farm stores around the state. Farm stores are a unique institution in Washington State, serving as a place to pick up fresh produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, local beers and wine, as well as being community hubs. You’ll likely see flyers...