Introduction

Washington State University Extension Skagit County engages people, organizations, and communities to advance economic well-being and quality of life by connecting them to the knowledge base of the university and by fostering inquiry, learning, and the application of research. WSU Skagit County Extension programs offer lifelong learning opportunities across a variety of skills for a host of audiences to promote best practices in farming, health and wellness, leadership development, and community engagement. The WSU Skagit Family Living Program offers education programs to increase knowledge and skills that improve community health, family resilience, and access to resources. This project reflects our commitment to the community to develop and deliver practical, relevant, and accessible food education.

Viva Farms is a non-profit, farm-business incubator and training program established in 2009. Viva operates in both Skagit County and King County in Washington state. The organization’s mission is to empower beginning and limited-resourced farmers by providing bilingual (English/Spanish) training in holistic organic farming practices, as well as access to land, infrastructure, equipment, marketing, and capital. As part of the mission, Viva Farms offers a CSA subscription of weekly boxes of farm-fresh organic produce, grown by the incubator farmers. Consumers receive local, fresh, organic, produce directly from farmers as the CSA contributes to beginning farmers’ success in building viable farm businesses.