Food & Farming Program

The Food & Farming program supports new farmers, connects eaters and food buyers to local farms and fishers and is a resource for building a sustainable local food economy.

Providing resources to eat locally

• Eat Local First Campaign - Connecting farmers with more local market support and eaters with more local food.
  
• The Whatcom Food & Farm Finder - Comprehensive map & guide of local farms and food businesses. Click to view online. Click for the Google map.
• Eat Local Month - Every September, a flavorful and festive celebration of local food; read the City/County joint Eat Local Month proclamation!
  
• Whatcom County Farm Tour  - Always the 2nd Saturday in September, it's a fantastic, free and family friendly self-guided farm tour
  
• Food & Farming E-News - Our "all things local food" monthly e-newsletter. Sign up by clicking the box in the right-hand tool bar below

  

Creating strong business to business trade relationships

• Farm to Table Trade Meetings, chef/ buyer farm tours, farm walks and business enhancing workshops
  
• Workplace CSAs: We set businesses up with the resources they need to connect with farmers for weekly deliveries to their workplace
• Resource library, other Resources for Local Producers, and the Whatcom Farmers' list-serv all offer opportunities to share information and learn from others.
  

Growing a sustainable, resilient food system

• Food to Bank On - A three-year farmer incubation project that connects beginning sustainable farmers with business training, markets and mentorship, while providing farm-fresh product to food banks and shelters.
• Collaboration and coordination - We work with the greater farming and food community and also facilitate meetings and host group efforts. Click to see a list of our core collaborators!
  

• Whatcom Food Network - Many organizations are working toward improving the food system in Whatcom County, from farm to fork, to food disposal by building partnerships to create a more just and coordinated food system! We co-chair the planning committee.
  
• Extensive communications, marketing and media about local farms, local food business and related food system issues or trends keep everyone in the local food loop! 

Good Food IS Good Business!

Many thanks to our 2012 Program Sponsors and Funders who help ensure the Food & Farming Program continues!

Limited space available for 2012 program and Whatcom County Farm Tour sponsors! Contact Laura Ridenour at (360) 647-7093 x106 or laura@sconnect.org