Western Washington University
IN-1: Innovation 1

Western Washington University works with Growing Washington. Growing Washington is a non-profit cooperative of farmers who implement sustainable agricultural practices, maintaining a regenerative agricultural system that preserves systems for local, sustainably farmed produce. This produce is provided in Western’s dining areas and it is the foundation of the university’s Farm-to-Fork program. During growing seasons Western uses Growing Washington to purchase approximately 15 percent of its produce to support local agriculture. Farmers benefit from the expanded market, guaranteed sales, representation in the community, and most importantly, have another reason to continue sustainable farming. Western’s community benefits from healthier food in its schools, access to fresh, healthy produce, and a sense of pride that goes along with buying quality products in a fair and economically competitive exchange.