Food & Farming

The Food & Farming Program is helping to create a vibrant local food economy. We support local farmers, connect food buyers to local farms and artisans, and encourage our community to always Eat Local First! We are proud founders of the Eat Local First Campaign and the Whatcom County Farm Tour. We excel in farmer training and run a farmer incubator program. We believe that changing our local food system can change the world, join us!

 

Food & Farming Program Member Benefits

Join as a business member of Sustainable Connections and get general member benefits plus those specific to our program!

• Free participation in the Eat Local First Campaign
• Member rate on Farm-to-Table Trade Meeting registration
• Opportunites for Member Spotlight features in Eat Local First Newsletter and Blog (3,000 Subscribers)
• Priority promotion on Eat Local First NW Instagram and Facebook channels

 

• Free consultation and direct connections with local farmers and food buyers
• Free participation as an Eat Local Month restaurant
• Member rate on Chef Farm Tour as a buyer (save $10)
• Opportunity to participate as a farm on Chef Farm Tour
• Member rate to participate on Whatcom Farm Tour

Projects & Programs

Creating
Business
Connections

Connecting the Community to Local Food

Community Events:

Building
Successful Farm
Businesses

Cloud Mountain Farm Center

Sustainable Connections and Cloud Mountain Farm Center merged together into one nonprofit in early 2019. We’ve had a long history of collaboration and the merger offered an opportunity for us to maximize community impact and extend our missions. 

Program Impacts

Business consultations for food & farming businesses

Consumers engaged annually

Million dollars in local sales generated as a result of the program

The Food & Farming Program is unmatched, we have not heard of anything in the country that works so well.

-Business Member

Sustainable Connections has been invaluable in growing our farm sales. We couldn’t have done what we have without them.

– Business Member

The Food and Farming Program has given our farm more support and aligned us with new customers more than any other community resource.

– Local Farm 

Annual Promotions

Eat Local First

The Food & Farming Program launched the Eat Local First campaign in 2011 to encourage all to choose local food first. It is the trusted source for finding truly local food. We provide business participants with the support and resources to continue to grow their business.

Eat Local Month

Every year we celebrate Eat Local Month, a chance to say thank you to our local food producers, restaurants, and artisans. Savor restaurant specials, enjoy farm tours and connect with where your food comes from.

Eat Local First Videos

Local Champions Blog

Our community is full of local food champions. Learn about the people behind your favorite local food and farming businesses and how they are putting people and planet first. 

Think Local First Holiday Promotions 2023

Think Local First Holiday Promotions 2023

As the holiday season unfolds, Sustainable Connections proudly introduces a variety of innovative ways for consumers to support and celebrate local businesses. This comprehensive approach encompasses Think Local First Gift Cards, a Think Local First Passport, Community Calendar, and the Think Local First Friday Makers Market.

Fall and Winter CSAs: Harvest Bounty Year-Round

Fall and Winter CSAs: Harvest Bounty Year-Round

Boldly Grown Farm There’s a chill in the air and the rains are here – autumn has finally come to Northwest Washington. And while we’re relishing in the chance to break out our favorite teas and coziest sweaters, we can’t help but reminisce about glorious summer days...

Become A Member or Donate Today!

Become a business memberDonate as an individual

Thank you to our sponsors!

Gold
Whatcom Community Foundation
Silver
Community Food Co-op
Mt. Baker Care Center & Summit Place Assisted Living
bronze
Whatcom County