Description
Institutional markets require large, consistent quantities of food delivered on a regular schedule, which require access to processing, cold storage, and distribution infrastructure to store and deliver products in bulk quantities. King County will continue to partner with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations, regional food distributors, and other public agencies to develop and grow local food system infrastructure. One example of a partnership project is the South Seattle Community Food Hub. Partnerships such as this one will enhance the viability and productivity of the local food system. Opportunities for partnership include models such as food hubs, processing and distribution sites, refrigerated trucks, commercial kitchens, and storage facilities, all of which are essential to helping farmers access local markets, reduce costs, and increase profitability in a competitive agricultural landscape. This infrastructure is needed to support farmers in reaching markets, particularly institutional markets such as schools, health care facilities, and hunger relief organizations. Improving food system infrastructure supports local farmers and hunger relief organizations, reduces wasted food and GHG emissions, builds climate resiliency, and helps community members achieve food security with culturally relevant, sustainably grown food.