Food Systems

August 18, 2022

Farm System Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey-Based Analysis of Impacts and Adaptations among Farmers in Washington State

This survey analysis attempts to identify how impacts and adaptations of the COVID-19 pandemic varied amongst farms in WA state based on specific resilience characteristics: robustness, adaptability and transformability.

Insights from Washington’s COVID-19 Response: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of WIC Remote Services and Expanded Food Options Using the Re-aim Framework

This study assesses the reach and effectiveness of the COVID-19-programmatic changes instituted by Washington State WIC; the processes, facilitators, and challenges involved in their implementation; and considerations for their continuation in the future.

July 7, 2022

Social Media Intern at HONE

Produced marketing content for a startup company related to their food product. Observed how the complex components in the food system and the supply chain interacted with social and cultural interactions and their impacts on the dietary choices of the consumer.

Internship at the University of Washington Farm

Wrote weekly sections for a public newsletter discussing nutritional information, cultural relevance of foods, and recipes. Used knowledge from the various food systems connected to the farm to evaluate and predict ways in which complex interactions of the food system influenced human health and nutrition.

Internship at the Common Acre

Developed working relationships with community partners who received harvested food and gained more knowledge about planning, growing, and contributing to local food security. Learned about the organizations system for distributing produce and utilized creative writing skills to help educate the public.

June 21, 2022

Farm Connections to Culture, Identity, and Health: Food Justice Strategies for Restoring Historically Marginalized Communities in South Seattle-King County through Urban and Local Agriculture (Team 2)

Washington Farmland Trust expressed interest in impacts of displacement and land discrimination on historically marginalized communities, in addition to the impacts of reconnecting these communities to farms and urban gardens for food justice. Thus, a flier and case study revolving around South Seattle, a neighborhood that has historical roots of systemic injustices. Through research and…

Paying Respect to the Unceded Land of the Duwamish Tribe (Team 1)

In partnership with Washington Farmland Trust, a case study focused on the Duwamish Hill Preserve, a park in the City of Tukwila that showcases historical seating areas, native plants and crops, and traditions of the Duwamish Tribe. A park whose goal is to conserve the natural beauty that was before the colonization and industrialization of…

Climate Resilient Agriculture (Team 2)

Viva Farms currently does not have a climate resilience plan. Our project provides them with a plan that consists of future climate predictions, as well as mitigation and adaptation methods. Community Partner: Viva Farms – Micah Anderson, Farm Educator and Manager

Washington Cascadia Region Agricultural Resiliency Plan (Team 1)

Viva Farms, a Seattle-based non-profit incubator/training farm has already begun to see some of these negative impacts, including record heat waves and wildfire smoke. Micah Anderson, the Farm and Education Manager at Viva, asked our group to develop a resilience plan which will help Viva to prepare for extreme weather events that will continue to…

Developing an Equity Framework for the Viva Farms Practicum in Sustainable Agriculture (Team 2)

We developed a racial justice and equity educational plan to be implemented in tandem with the 9 month Practicum in Sustainable Agriculture at Viva Farms in Woodinville, WA. Equip farmers with the information to run sustainable and equitable small farms in the PNW. Community Partner: Viva Farms – Micah Anderson, Farm Educator and Manager