The food system, as we know it, encompasses a complex cycle of growing, distributing, processing and disposing of food. In order to create a sustainable and healthy food system, we need to address every step of the cycle; expanded opportunities to grow food, optimized channels of distribution, increased access to and preparation of healthy foods, and advanced food waste recycling efforts.

Grow

Urban food production is at the heart of creating a healthy food system for the community. King County is home to a number of programs that are on the cutting edge of producing food in backyards, planter strips, p-patches, and community gardens.  Growing food in an urban environment can encompass everything from cultivating your own salad greens to raising chickens and goats in your backyard to harvesting your own water source. Whether you want to be a backyard farmer or enjoy tending a small berry patch, learning safe and sustainable techniques is important. Check out our expansive list of resources and blog for helpful tips on urban farming.

Distribute

Once food is produced locally, how do we get it into the hands of individuals, social service agencies, restaurants and institutions? Innovative distribution channels need to be created to ensure readily available access to healthy food. Urban food distribution encompasses everything from getting produce to the farmers’ markets to supporting the local food bank to selling healthy veggies at the corner convenience store. Without a broad distribution network, members of the community will not have readily available access to fresh, locally grown foods. Check out our expansive list of resources and blog for more information on food distribution and the ways you can get involved.

Process

Creating a sustainable community food system doesn’t end with the purchasing of locally grown fruits and veggies–the cycle continues with the preparation and eating of healthy food. Food processing encompasses everything from preserving heirloom tomatoes to making jam to braising brussel sprouts. King County is home to a number of projects that are bringing people together to swap recipes, share food preservation tips and learn about the benefits of healthy eating. Check out our expansive list of resources and blog for helpful tips on preserving and preparing whole foods.

Recycle

From backyard to commercial composting, innovative initiatives are being designed to reduce waste and complete the food system cycle. Food waste recycling encompasses everything from backyard composting to commercial outfits such as Cedar Grove composting. Whether you want to learn what an earthworm bin is or how to get your hands on some fertilizer for your p-patch, learning about safe and sustainable resources is important. Find out what you can do in your own backyard to reduce edible and inedible food waste by checking out our expansive list of resources and blog.

Support Your Community Food System

Creating a sustainable food system for the Puget Sound region wouldn’t be possible without practical, smart policies on the books. Our region is currently looking at a number of policy changes to create more opportunities for sustainable urban food production. Your support for these policies will ensure their success. Follow our blog for news on policy updates and code changes happening at the local level.