Have you signed up for the Farm to Table Trails yet?
Summer is here, with all its energy, growth, and celebration. Every year, this season brings excitement and expansion for Sustainable Connections, as we watch the seeds we’ve planted blossom into impactful community programs. We’ve been working with amazing partners across the food and farming sectors to build a more resilient local food economy, and we wanted to share some of our recent wins with you!
Our Food & Farming program launched the 2025 Farm to Table Trails, eight food trails that take folks around Whatcom & Skagit counties to explore all that grows in this beautiful place. By following the map and using the gamified pass, participants learn more about local food and farms, invest in the regional economy, and develop a sense of belonging and stewardship.
Since the launch, almost 300 passes have been downloaded, and 110 folks have checked in – that’s a lot of love and appreciation for local food! Have you explored the Farm to Table Trails yet? It’s not too late to get started – the season for adventure is just beginning!
We held a successful spring Eat Local First Mixer, where 45 people from our local food system – including farmers, fisherfolk, resource providers, chefs, market managers, grocery buyers, and more – came together to share successes and challenges, make business connections, and enjoy delicious pizza made with local ingredients (of course!).
This event is one of our business-to-business offerings, providing key sales connections for small businesses looking to scale up and wholesalers looking to diversify and localize their supply chain.
As we made introductions around the room, we heard from each person what makes them feel like spring has sprung. The excitement in the room built as the folks answered; from bees buzzing to seeds being planted and boats being readied for sea to farmers markets opening we could all feel the food system awakening in Whatcom County!
Our statewide work as a key member of the Eat Local First Collaborative has grown and expanded. This year, we ran a highly successful Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) campaign across Washington, encouraging people to learn more about and sign up for CSA – which are critical income streams and community building tools for farmers. Our CSA Finder listed over 295 farms, was visited by folks from 302 unique cities, and had 15k website views. As one user said, “I’m so happy I found this! I ordered a CSA from a local farm and I can’t wait to get my first box! Thanks for this amazing program!”
And did you know you can use the Washington Food & Farm Finder to find local food across Washington? Explore farmers markets, farm stands, u-pick farms, and so much more at eatlocalfirst.org.
Food systems work is hard, and oftentimes uncertain. So much is changing in the world, and our farmers feel that more acutely than most. Yet we trust deeply that the seasons that bring growth to the fields also bring growth to those who tend them. We believe that opportunities for connection, celebration, and communication are essential, and we’re grateful to be able to provide those services on behalf of a stronger, more resilient food system.
We do this work for our farmers, farmland, and all those who eat food and care about where it comes from. Looking to get involved? Sign up for our newsletter, follow us on social media, or invest in your local food system with a tax-deductible donation. Thank you for growing with us!
