Projects

King County Local Food Initiative

Lilly Simmering

The report exemplifies a strategic planning and facilitation project that balances multiple stakeholders and diverse considerations, including economic development, political initiatives, urban development, and public health.

In 2015, King County’s Executive Officer launched the Local Food Initiative to strengthen the local food system and expand access to healthy foods for low-income communities, with the strategy and implementation plan slated for completion in 2025.

Achieving the initiative’s goals required an innovative approach that tracked commodities (e.g., vegetables, fruits, dairy) through a complex system spanning fresh, processed, and restaurant markets. At each juncture, access points, customer needs, and food economics were assessed for barriers and gaps. This methodology resulted in a comprehensive strategic plan that addressed industry-wide, community-wide, and regulatory complexities, highlighting the intricate nature of the food system.