King Conservation District’s Regional Food System Program links producers with consumers and serves as a catalyst for making local food production environmentally and economically sustainable. The program funds projects that contribute to the economic viability of local farmers, encourage new farmers, expand acreage in food production, improve food access, and increase demand for King County farm products. The food system program was built in 2015 to support the work of the King County Local Food Initiative and the Puget Sound Regional Food Policy Council.
One organization awarded during the 2018 grant program was the Na’ah Illahee Fund, a group comprised and led by Native women. They launched a Native Food Systems Initiative to respond to the challenges Native Americans face from disconnection to land and their cultural traditions. Through direct access to land, growing education, and restored cultural practices they drive the solution to overcome many barriers Native people face towards the access culturally relevant food.
The 2019 Regional Food System Grant Program will be announced in early April of 2019. To learn about projects funded in 2018 click here.
