QUESTION: 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 will work to create partnerships with local farms that can provide local produce to schools, along with setting up cleaning for farms that have waste so the extra produce goes to the food banks instead of going to waste.

QUESTION: 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?

As a single parent I have received food from the local food bank and spoke with many families over the years while there. The biggest change for families will be to bring in living wage jobs to our area to support income that allow families the financial stability for housing, energy AND food.

QUESTION: 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?

Give farmers relief by providing subsidies, by reducing restrictions and by supporting farm-to-table programs.