Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) presented Snohomish County with a $750K check for its Food and Farming Center, which will serve as a crucial resource hub for fruit and vegetable farmers across Snohomish, Whatcom, Skagit, and King counties. DelBene secured the investment in the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding law.  

The Snohomish County Food and Farming Center will house an indoor farmers market, processing and distribution facilities, and a commercial kitchen dedicated to promoting and selling local agricultural goods. The center will also offer valuable community services such as educational programs, health-awareness campaigns, food bank contributions, and community kitchen access. Snohomish County will build and provide the space for an organization to lease and operate the facility.

"Supporting our local farmers and ensuring our residents can access fresh, local produce are vital priorities for our community's well-being and the strength of our agricultural economy. The Food and Farming Center will serve as a crucial resource hub for our fruit and vegetable farmers, while also fostering a more resilient and interconnected food system," said DelBene. "This investment will promote sustainable agriculture, drive economic growth, and enhance the overall health of our region."

“Our farmers and ranchers are key to providing our community with locally sources food, and they are a vital part of a healthy economy,” said Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive. “The food and farming center will be another building block to ensure our agricultural community can continue to thrive, while also providing ready access to fresh and healthy food for our residents. The support from Congresswoman DelBene has allowed this project to take the next significant step, and we appreciate her unwavering support.”

The Food and Farming Center will be located at McCollum Park.

DelBene secured $19.4 million for 15 community projects across Washington’s 1^st Congressional District in the FY23 federal funding package. Projects came directly from non-profit, city, county, Tribal, and state entities, and all funding secured was done in collaboration with project sponsors.