What actions would you take as a state legislator to protect and strengthen Washington’s food security safety net, including both public nutrition programs and the food banks and food pantries serving communities across the state?

We need to ensure that funding for the food safety net remains a priority in these challenging times. As a nurse with over twenty years of experience of patient and community care, health and prevention are a top priority in my leadership value system. We cannot expect our communities across the lifespan to thrive without basic needs (including safety nets) being met. When in office, I will be utilizing my decision lens on the health of our communities and families to ensure our financial discussions focus on those who need assistance or who are in a midst of walking a financial tightrope.

What have you done to understand food insecurity in the communities you seek to represent—including engaging with people experiencing hunger or local hunger-relief organizations—and what policies would you prioritize to address the root causes of hunger and ensure Washington residents can afford and access the food they need?

I take care of people at some of their most vulnerable moments- before, during, and after surgery. These are often marginalized populations- poor, elderly, and financially challenged. I have very honest conversations about their current status and finding local services to bridge their needs. I’m in the process of onboarding with Sustainable Renton to have a better understanding of their challenges with funding and the systems that are currently in place. I recognize that SNAP benefits are going to decrease after this election- I intend on being an advocate, activist, and outspoken ally in Olympia to meet the basic needs of our state. The “K” shaped economy is harming many families in the 11th Legislative District and across the state. The mission of carrying for our community is very simple. We feed, house, educate, and employ so all can succeed- not just for the wealthy.  I support: Funding for food banks and pantries Fully support nutrition programs to support health  Increase the current funding levels for SNAP Programs Continue funding for SUN Bucks for our students   In this wealthy state,  no one should be hungry or malnourished.

What policies or investments would you support to strengthen Washington’s food system, increase access to locally produced food, support Washington farmers and producers, and reduce food waste?

I would expand infrastructure grants to fund how food is processed, stored and managed throughout the Northwest- with climate change constantly impacting infrastructure, we need to be prepared for inevitable crisis. Our state needs to utilize farming and markets within city, county and state lands; many communities have food deserts that can be mitigated with appropriate interventions. Continuing and growing the conduit between farm-to-community programs through an equity lens can support hunger-relief organizations- especially in the lower income/at-risk income, rural and tribal areas.   I am in support of a Washington Center for Sustainable Food Management to better manage food waste, utilize edible crops, and educate our communities to be better stewards.   This statistic haunts me every day- 41% of he 11th LD is below the ALICE threshold. Many of the families in the district are at significant risk- I intend to limit that risk to the best of my ability.