Supporting local food systems

Individual actions

Please consult a health professional prior to making significant changes in nutritional habits and diet.

Support local and sustainable sources

• Buy local: Purchase plant-based foods from local farmers' markets to support sustainable agriculture and reduce carbon emissions from long-distance shipping.
• Seasonal produce: Buying in-season fruits and vegetables reduces the need for energy-intensive storage, growing methods,  and long-distance shipping.
• Organic produce: Choosing organic produce typically reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, significant sources of GHG emissions.

Incorporate plant-based meals

• Plant-based recipes: Explore and cook meals centered on vegetables, beans, lentils and tofu, grains, and nuts. Try using meat like an ingredient or side dish, not the main event.
• Explore cultural cuisine: Many traditional diets are plant-based. Try dishes like Indian dals, Mexican bean dishes, Mediterranean falafel and hummus, Ethiopian Shiro Wat, and other tofu and vegetable dishes.
• Slow transition: Gradually reduce your meat and dairy consumption to give your taste buds and habits time to adapt. Opt for lower-impact meats like chicken or pork instead of beef. Meatless Mondays can be a great start leaning toward a plant-based diet.
• Mindful consumption: Be conscious of the environmental impact of food choices and make mindful decisions about what to eat.
• Vegetarian, Vegan & Raw Food Festival: This festival is a celebration of plant-based culinary innovation, spotlighting a diverse range of nutritious and creative dishes. The event serves as a vibrant platform for exploring sustainable, ethical eating habits.
• Northwest Share: Northwest Share supports programs such as VegFestWA, an outdoor community event supporting sustainable lifestyle choices, and plant-based nutrition, cooking, and horticulture.
• Find Vegan restaurants in Washington and beyond: Washington's vegan dining scene features an eclectic mix of restaurants—from casual cafes to upscale eateries—dedicated to serving creative and sustainably sourced plant-based dishes.

Educate yourself and others

• Learn about alternatives: Familiarize yourself with plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, and seitan.
• Meal planning: Ensure a balanced diet by planning meals with plant-based ingredients.
• Spread awareness: Share information and recipes with friends and family to encourage plant-based eating.
• Advocate for plant-based options: Encourage local schools, restaurants, workplaces, hospitals, universities, and other institutions to offer more plant-based meals. Check out Coolfood Pledge and Forward Food.

Try plant-based dairy alternatives

• Non-Dairy Milks: Animal products produce the majority of food-related emissions: Switch to plant-based milks such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk.
• Non-Dairy Yogurt and Cheese: Experiment with plant-based yogurt and cheese alternatives made from nuts, soy, or coconut.

Participate in community initiatives

• Community Gardens: Join or start a community garden to grow your own vegetables and fruits.
• Food Co-ops: Participate in food co-ops that are community-run stores that prioritize locally sourced, organic, and plant-based options and democratic governance, advancing the community's ethical and environmental values.
• Food Lifeline offers a comprehensive map of Puget Sound region Community Gardens, Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, Farm Stands, and more.

Grow your own food

• Grow your own food: Whether through a community garden plot, a container garden, or your backyard, growing food is a way to build resiliency and eat locally. Find your local USDA plant hardiness scale when choosing gardening plans, and check out City of Seattle's Growing Food in the City guide.

King County efforts

Agricultural support

• Local Food Initiative: The Local Food Initiative (LFI) is King County's policy roadmap for strengthening the local food system by supporting farmers, food businesses, and equitable food access. The initiative aims to expand food infrastructure, support underrepresented farmers, and increase access to healthy, local food for all residents. LFI includes resources such as the following:
• Farm King County: Provides information and assistance for your farm operation.
• Farm King County's Local Food Finder: Interactive map allows consumers to search for CSAs, farm stands, and farms with online businesses.
• Agriculture Program - King County, Washington: The King County Agriculture Program supports local farmers by preserving farmland, promoting sustainable practices, and improving access to agricultural resources. Home to over 2,000 farms generating $150 million in annual sales, King County prioritizes farmland preservation and increasing opportunities for underserved farmers.

Community & regional food systems

• King Conservation District: promotes the sustainable use of natural resources through voluntary stewardship in King County.
• Community Agriculture Program: The King Conservation District's Community Agriculture Program supports and strengthens community-based food growing efforts across King County. Provides resources such as culturally relevant plant starts, compost, soil testing, technical assistance, and grants.
• Regional Food System Program: The King Conservation District's Regional Food System Program implements initiatives to strengthen the regional food economy.

Community efforts

Farmers market networks & local food promotion

• Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets: Neighborhood Farmers Markets support local farmers, build community connections, and create a more equitable and sustainable food system. Other resources include:
• Seattle Farmers Market Association
• Farmers Markets - Pike Place Market
• Seattle's Good Business Network's Eat Local Directory
• City of Seattle's Urban Food Systems
• Washington State Farmer's Market Association: The Washington State Farmers Market Association supports 110+ markets statewide. Find a farmers market using their map.
• Eat local first: Eat Local First is a source for finding local farms and identifying the restaurants, markets, and food businesses that purchase from local food producers in Washington State.

Food access & community partnerships

• King County Farmer's Share: KCFS connects food assistance providers with King County farmers, increasing access to fresh, local food for residents while creating stable market opportunities for small farms.
• Lettuce Help Center & Good Food Exchange: A collaboration of Cascadia Produce, Cedar Grove, and Seattle Good Business Network, the Lettuce Help Center and Good Food Exchange is a food rescue hub and online marketplace, available to farms, food businesses, food security organizations, and institutions.
• Feed Seven Generations: Feed Seven Generation's goals focus on raising awareness of traditional food systems within both Native and non-Native communities involved in sustainable food development. It aims to improve Native health outcomes by reviving ancestral food and health practices.
• Tilth Alliance: Tilth Alliance partners with farmers, gardeners, and local community members to foster sustainable, healthy, and equitable food systems throughout Washington State.
• Rainier Beach Action Coalition Food Hub & Farm Stand: This community-centered hub supports local BIPOC, immigrant, refugee, and women farmers in South King County through a weekly farm stand and comprehensive support services.
• Alimentando al Pueblo: "Feeding the People," Alimentando al Pueblo in White Center emphasizes community outreach, educational workshops, and initiatives to empower locals through food literacy and sustainable eating.
• Clean Greens Farm & Market: Clean Greens Farm & Market focuses on delivering fresh, organic produce and artisanal goods directly from local farms.
• Wakulima USA Living Well: Swahili for "farmers", Wakulima USA Living Well in Kent combines international agricultural traditions with contemporary wellness principles.
• Kent Ayeko Farm: Kent Ayeko Farm models sustainable, community-focused and integrates traditional farming methods with modern environmental stewardship.
• Viva Farms: Viva Farms reflects a vibrant, community-oriented approach to local agriculture by blending innovative growing techniques with traditional farming values..

• Sustainable Renton: Sustainable Renton is a volunteer-driven non-profit committed to building a more equitable and sustainable future while fostering meaningful connections.