Check for closures on Mount Baker Highway (SR 542) and North Cascades Highway (SR 20).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 6, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:
Maressa Valliant
maressa@eatlocalfirst.org
360.647.7093 x 103

Take Meaningful Action This Holiday Season: Support Local Farmers with Your Meals, Treats, and Gifts

The Eat Local First Collaborative has launched the “Eat Local for the Holidays” campaign and the Holiday Food & Farm Finder, a key resource and inspiration for finding local food and gifts this holiday season. In uncertain times, purchasing local food and gifts during the holidays makes dollars go farther; money is invested in the local economy and circles back to farmers, chefs, and makers who need it most.  

This campaign, now in its sixth year, aims to raise awareness and rally support for the vibrant food community of Washington state. To facilitate the farm-to-table journey, the Holiday Food & Farm Finder serves as a comprehensive guide, connecting consumers directly with over 2,200 local farmers, growers, producers, and businesses across the state. Whether local meat is on the menu or foodie gifts are called for, the Holiday Food & Farm Finder is an essential resource for crafting meaningful and delicious holiday experiences.

As Maressa Valliant, Eat Local First Director, shares, “Many of our local farmers and food artisans depend on holiday income during a time of year when harvests are less plentiful. Supporting them now means you can enjoy the fruits of their labor during the rest of the year, too!” Local food isn’t just about supporting farmers, either. In difficult times for food access, knowing where to find local resources for free and reduced-cost food is critical. Share this list or this list of businesses that provide free food and donate to a local food bank if you’re able.     

In addition to supporting the local food system, shopping locally during the holidays also creates festive gatherings and gifts that are intentional, seasonal, and flavorful. In the spirit of gift-giving, Eat Local First is giving away $350 worth of local food and swag from November 1-December 31, 2025. More details here.  


 

        We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.
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