WSDA Helps Expand Food & Farm Finder Website

In an effort to help connect consumers with locally grown food, the Washington state Department of Agriculture recently expanded the Food & Farm Finder. The online tool was launched last year in response to the challenges the state’s food system was experiencing because of the pandemic. Users can enter a ZIP code to get a map showing where they can find fresh produce, local products and more. More than 1,700 farms and food businesses have been listed on the finder across 37 of Washington's counties.

In October, WSDA provided $30,000, which allowed for the creation of a 'Wholesale Vendor' tab on the tool's website.

"The reason why that was important to us was we were looking for a way to help school districts and other institutions find locally grown produce for their meal programs," noted the WSDA’s Hector Castro.

He added expanding the Washington Food & Farm Finder reflects WSDA's mission to keep the state's food system strong.

"One way to do that is by connecting public purchasers like schools with these local farm and food businesses. It helps these businesses and operations find customers and it helps school districts expand their farm to school efforts and other meal programs."

Washington is one of only five states nationwide without a state-endorsed branding program to promote local foods.

Click Here to learn more about the Washington Food & Farm finder.

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