How can you support a local farmer? Join us in our current initiative, “Support Local Farms” based on the following three issues:
- Farmland Preservation
- Food Security
- Buy Local
No Farms—No Food: Agricultural land is disappearing rapidly and preserving this land is essential for food security. Sprawl and commercial development have continued to consume millions of acres across the country, and we have seen it happen in our community. The Sammamish Valley Agricultural Production District (APD) between Woodinville and Redmond, WA, is one of the most fertile valleys in the country. If farmed to its full potential, the Valley could annually supply local, organic vegetables to 80,000 people, at a value of $54 million. These sustainable, high yields are essential as climate change decreases yields throughout the country. Help us protect our farmland!
Why Food Security Matters: Health and growth through proper nutrition prevents chronic illness and development delays in children; economic stability is achieved through strong food systems that boost a workforce productive, lower healthcare costs and reduce poverty. Global peace requires reliable food supplies preventing displacement and conflicts. Crisis resilience allows for a robust local (and global) supply chain that can withstand climate shocks such as flooding and fires, economic downturns and pandemics.
Buy Local: Purchase plant-based foods from local farmers market, farm stands and farm stores to support sustainable agriculture and reduce carbon emissions from long-distance shipping. Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables reduces the need for energy-intensive storage, growing methods, and long-distance shipping. Choosing organic produce typically reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which are significant sources of GHG emissions. (Check out several options below to source product and buy local!)
Resources:
Local Food Initiative: The Local Food Initiative (LFI) is King County’s policy roadmap for strengthening the local food system by supporting farmers, food businesses, and equitable food access. The initiative aims to expand food infrastructure, support underrepresented farmers, and increase access to healthy, local food for all residents.
Eat Local First: Eat Local First is a source for finding local farms and identifying the restaurants, markets, and food businesses that purchase from local food producers in Washington State.
Tilth Alliance: Tilth Alliance partners with farmers, gardeners, and local community members to foster sustainable, healthy, and equitable food systems throughout Washington State.
Regional Food System Program: The King Conservation District’s Regional Food System Program implements initiatives to strengthen the regional food economy.
BUY LOCAL, SOURCING PRODUCT: Buying products from nearby farms, growing your own food, cooking with locally sourced ingredients, and volunteering in the food system all contribute to proactively addressing food security challenges. Whether you’re seeking local farm products for the first time, or want fresh food with a more direct supply chain between farm to market to table, you should consider buying from local farms!
Here are some options, and search in particular for those in our Sammamish Valley:
- Purchase a CSA or place a special order with a Farmer (e.g. our farmer friends at Viva Farms–King County, Ecolibrium Farms, Sammamish Farms, Sound Sustainable Farms, and more!)
- Check out Eat Local First for food and farm resources.
- Shop at a Farmers Market (Woodinville Farmers Market opens for the season, May through October, 2026.)
- Stop by a local Farm Stand or Farm Market (e.g. Tonnemaker’s Valley Farm Stand; 21 Acres Farm Market)
- Ask for locally produced food at your favorite grocery store.
- Become a member of the Sammamish Valley Grange and participate in Grange programs and activities.
Interested in Volunteering? Opportunities are available. Please e-mail sammamishvalleygrange286@gmail.com for information.
Sammamish Valley Fresh Pop-Up Market Saw Resounding Success
Thank you for your support of local farm businesses during this seasonal Pop-Up Market. In eleven weeks, nearly $11,000 of fresh, organically grown produce from a dozen local farmers was purchased. The fabulous volunteers re-packed that food into individual bags for weekly distribution. Collectively, 250 bags of produce was purchased totaling $7,500, plus an additional $1,000 in ‘bulk’ sales. Additionally, nearly $2,500 worth of fresh produce was donated to Woodinville Storehouse Food Bank, Camp Unity and the Northshore Senior Center.
This was a fulfilling experience for the Sammamish Valley Grange and our partners. We deepened our relationship with many local farmers, we met new volunteers and we discovered a new outlet for local, fresh food. You all responded with drive-through purchases and words of encouragement. Because of your fabulous support, we are resolute in our commitment to connect you with local farmers, local food, and we look forward to finding innovative ways to make that happen.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram too! Thank you for supporting your Sammamish Valley farms and businesses. For more information e-mail sammamishvalleygrange286@gmail.com.