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?

I believe food security is an essential part of supporting healthy children, families and the greater community. As a legislator, I will continue to support investments in SNAP, school meals, senior nutrition programs and other programs that help people get access to nutritious food. I also recognize that food banks and food pantries are an essential part of the safety net, especially when families are hit with unexpected financial challenges. We must ensure these organizations have the resources they need to meet the demand while also protecting and strengthening the public programs that provide long-term support.

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?

My background in education, nutrition, children and families, as well as my work in WIC and Child and Adult Care Food Program ha shown me that food insecurity rarely exists on its own. Families are often making difficult choices between food, housing, childcare, healthcare, and transportation. I support policies that address those underlying pressures, including affordable childcare and housing, access to healthcare and behavioral health services, and economic opportunities that allow working families to meet their basic needs. I also believe we need to listen directly to communities and the organizations serving them so that our policies reflect the barriers people actually experience.

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?

Washington has a strong agricultural economy, and more needs to be done to connect the food produced to the people who need it. I support investments that help Washington farmers and producers to remain financially sustainable while increasing access for schools, food banks and other community organizations to purchase locally grown food. We also must continue to support programs that increase access to fresh, nutritious food in underserved communities, and reduce the amount of edible food that is wasted in landfills. Strengthening these connections would benefit farmers, reduce waste and improve access to healthy food all at the same time.