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?

Ending hunger in our state permanently should be a paramount objective. We can try to stabilize and extend food bank funding through the Emergency Food Assistance Program and Farm to Food Pantry funding.  We may want to create an automatic plan by operation of state law that would kick in with the expiration or reduction in SNAP benefits, given our experience last fall. Strengthening other food assistance programs, like those provided through schools or to seniors, will also alleviate pressure on food banks/pantries.

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?

We have volunteered with the University District Food Bank, have donated meals to the tent city at University Unitarian Church (when there was one sited there), and have donated to food pantries through our church.  I have always prioritized making housing and childcare cheaper in Washington state, both by increasing the amount of housing and childcare options and directly subsidizing both (social housing, affordable housing, rental assistance, childcare subsidies).  Rep. Pollet and I agree on ways to reduce the costs of healthcare.  And I would continue to fight to keep working families, and those who are most vulnerable to the kinds of disruptions that can cause immediate food insecurity, financially afloat and secure.

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 support policies that pay and incentivize farmers to provide fresh food directly to food pantries and food banks, and through other nutrition programs, such that we are both supporting local farmers, ensuring there is more food sourced locally and thus less food wasted due to long transportation times.  The Farm to Food Pantry program is a great example of that kind of work. A consistent revenue source for farmers, and a consistent source of fresh food for food pantries and banks, are win-wins that keep our food system vibrant while ensuring access to local and healthy food for those of all income levels.