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?

First, I would make school breakfast and lunch free for all students. No student should be worried about eating. Second, I would incentivize grocery stores to donate food that is about to expire. Last, petition the federal government to stop punishing SNAP, WICK, and EBT recipients. Very little fraud in these programs yet they are being defunded anyway.

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?

In my community I have seen now two grocery stores close. Food deserts are being a real thing in my district. Allowing smaller grocery stores to open in these areas would alleviate some of that pain. Having to travel miles to get to a safeway should not be the norm because kroger decided to pick profits over people.

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 give tax credits to those farms to provide a small percentage of the crops to local food banks. Farmers spend a lot of money to hopefully produce crops, ensuring they get credits for growing will allow them to donate more food.