There will not be a competitive grant round held in 2026. KCD is working on improvements to our program. We will offer a larger pool of funding during the 2027 grant round.
King Conservation District’s Regional Food System Program was established in 2015 to support the action plans of King County’s Local Food Initiative and the Puget Sound Regional Food Policy Council. Based on input from a wide range of local food system advisors, KCD implemented a series of initiatives to strengthen our local food economy. Program components include Regional Food System Grants and Strategic Initiative Grants.
Local Food Initiative (LFI) Refresh
What is the Local Food Initiative?
The Local Food Initiative is King County’s policy roadmap to grow the local food economy and make locally grown food accessible to all. The original Local Food Initiative was published in 2015, and it is being updated for the first time right now! King County and King Conservation District are partnering to update the Local Food Initiative policy and programs.
What does the Local Food Initiative mean to me?
The Local Food Initiative is for every resident of King County – from eaters to farmers to truck drivers. Whether you live in an urban, rural, or suburban area of the county, you eat every day. The LFI guides policy and funding to shape the future of what food is grown and enjoyed here.
KCD Regional Food System Grants
KCD’s Regional Food System Grant Program supports 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. Eligible applicants include farmers, producer networks, marketing cooperatives, farmers markets, businesses, schools, special purpose districts, nonprofit organizations, tribes, and jurisdictions within KCD’s service area.
The application window closed on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 5:00pm
Applicants will be notified of decision by email: Friday, December 12, 2025.
Get Involved!
The Local Food Initiative newsletter provides updates and information about the refresh.
Subscribe to the King County Local Food Newsletter
Reach out to project leaders with questions, comments, or ideas:
Jessica Saavedra – jessica.saavedra@kingcd.org
Michael Lufkin – michael.lufkin@kingcounty.gov
KCD Regional Food System Grants
KCD’s Regional Food System Grant Program supports 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. Eligible applicants include farmers, producer networks, marketing cooperatives, farmers markets, businesses, schools, special purpose districts, nonprofit organizations, tribes, and jurisdictions within KCD’s service area.
Previous Grants Awarded
Announcing 2025 Regional Food Systems Grant Awards - In 2025, the KCD Regional Food System Program awarded nearly $500,000 in grants to support… Read More...
KCD Regional Food System Awards $400,000 in 2024 - In 2024, the KCD Regional Food System Program awarded over $400,000 in grants to support… Read More...
2022 KCD Regional Food System Grant Program Awardees - In 2022, KCD awarded over $520,000 in grants to support projects that contribute to the… Read More...
For Approved and Existing Grants
To submit reporting documents, upload the files in the grant portal. Reporting forms are accessible in the Grant Portal.
Log In to the Grant Portal Now!
How to Submit Reporting and Invoices
Regional Food System Grant Reimbursement Request (spreadsheet)