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 we should help our neighbors when they genuinely need it—especially kids, seniors, people with disabilities, and families going through a tough time.  At the same time, we owe it to taxpayers to make sure these programs are accountable and the help is actually reaching the people who need it.  I’m also a big believer in our local food banks, churches, nonprofits, and community groups. They know their communities and do incredible work every day. Government should make their job easier, not bury them in red tape.  For me, it’s pretty simple: help people who need a hand, protect taxpayer dollars, and support the local organizations doing the work.

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?

Serving on the school board, I’ve seen firsthand that some families are having a hard time making ends meet. For some kids, that meal at school really matters.  But we also need to talk about why so many working families are struggling in the first place. When groceries, housing, power bills, gas, and childcare all cost more, something eventually has to give.  We absolutely need a safety net for people who need a hand. But the bigger goal should be making Washington more affordable, creating good-paying jobs, and giving people opportunities to succeed.  Success should mean fewer families need assistance just to put dinner on the table.

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?

Agriculture is a huge part of our region, and I think we need to start by listening to the people who actually grow our food and make their living doing it.  Our farmers don’t need more red tape. They need reliable access to water, good roads and infrastructure, and the ability to get their products to market without government making everything more complicated or expensive.  I’d also like to see more Washington-grown food stay right here in Washington. And when farmers or businesses have good food they can’t sell, we should make it easier to get it to food banks and families instead of throwing it away.  Support our farmers, cut unnecessary red tape, and get more locally grown food onto local tables.