Stories about Local Champions

The Local Champions Blog highlights some of the amazing work our community accomplishes and motivates us all to work better together. We are lucky to work with so many champions who are a model for positive behavior change and influence us to go the extra mile. Our local champions are building connections within the community every day. Filter our stories by categories listed below or browse them all. We hope you’re inspired by the local champions in our community, too! 

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Storia Cucina: Where Food is a Story and a Restaurant is a Community

Storia Cucina: Where Food is a Story and a Restaurant is a Community

Food tells a story, and at Storia Cucina, it’s a tale you’ll want to savor with a house-made cocktail and a mouthwatering plate of cacio e pepe. Owner and chef Jonathan Cicotti chose the name Storia Cucina, which translates from Italian to kitchen story, to reflect...

Eat Local Month Highlights Supply Chain Solutions

Eat Local Month Highlights Supply Chain Solutions

September Eat Local Month was a delicious and inspiring celebration of local food. All month long, Sustainable Connections highlighted the farms, fishers, grocers, markets, chefs, and restaurants of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties. Participants...

Kragnes Family Farms

Kragnes Family Farms

Kragnes Family Farms A Deeply Rooted Farm, In Full Bloom By Alex Smith A sense of place is a powerful thing. Feeling a connection to the land and surroundings provides an intangible feeling of comfort and belonging. When Ben and Tyne first visited Whatcom County, this...

At The Heart of Community, There’s a Farmers Market

At The Heart of Community, There’s a Farmers Market

Food is connection. Whether that's families gathering around a kitchen table, farmers harvesting from their fields, or friends getting together at their favorite restaurant, nothing brings people together quite like a meal. And every meal that we've ever enjoyed can...

14 Local Drinks You Need To Try

14 Local Drinks You Need To Try

Summer is in full, glorious swing in Bellingham and Whatcom County. We’ve been out relishing all the delights that this beautiful place has to offer. Maybe you’re off exploring Bellingham Bay or the San Juans in a kayak, sailboat, or paddleboard. Or perhaps you’re zipping around on your bike, marveling at the various shades of green that flash by. We’ve been enjoying picnics on the beach, too. There’s nothing like a spread of local food and drink enjoyed in the great outdoors, especially with friends or family.  

Farmer’s Bounty Bloody Mary

Farmer’s Bounty Bloody Mary

Farmer's Bounty Bloody Mary If you stop by a Whatcom County farmers market in July, prepare yourself for absolute delight and wonder. That's because the land's agricultural abundance is on full display - tomatoes nestle in among spicy peppers, fresh greens, and...