Food Policy Forum

Overview

The Washington State Food Policy Forum (Forum) is a cross-sector group of food system stakeholders with representation from across the state. Forum members include agricultural stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and state and local government agencies. The Forum was initially created by the Legislature via budget proviso in 2016 and is now established in statute (RCW 89.50).

The Forum is charged with developing recommendations for improving the food system in Washington.

The Forum is co-convened by the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC), the Office of Farmland Preservation (OFP), and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). Ross Strategic provides facilitation support.

View FPF Meeting Schedule

Food Policy Forum Goals

  • Increase direct marketing sales and consumption of Washington-grown foods;
  • Expand and promote programs that bring healthy and nutritious Washington-grown foods to Washington residents;
  • Examine ways to encourage retention of an adequate number of farmers for small scale farms, meet the educational needs for the next generation of farmers, and provide for the continued economic viability of local food production, processing, and distribution in the state;
  • Reduce food insecurity and hunger in the state; and
  • Identify ways to improve coordination and communication among local food policy entities and communication between the local food policy entities and state agencies.

Get Involved!

Interested in becoming a member of the Food Policy Forum?

Members of the Forum are jointly appointed by the the director of SCC and the director of WSDA with no appointment made unless each concurs.  If you are interested in serving as an appointed member, please send your contact information and a description of your interest to Alicia McClendon.

Interested in staying connected?

Please send contact information to Alicia McClendon.