Around the Table: Connections, Collaboration, and What’s Ahead
Washington Food Coalition Staff
July–September 2026 | Executive Director's Update
What a busy and exciting few months it's been for the Washington Food Coalition! As we close out the third quarter of 2026, I want to share some highlights, celebrate an incredible annual conference, and look ahead to what's next for WFC and our statewide hunger relief network.
Setting the Table: A Conference to Remember
What an incredible three days in Bremerton!
Our 2026 Annual Conference, Setting the Table: Dignity, Access, Action, brought together nearly 400 participants representing approximately 170 organizations from across Washington. With 25 breakout sessions, two inspiring keynotes, five local tours, and important statewide conversations, the conference was filled with opportunities to learn, connect, and share ideas.
Dr. Julie Pham encouraged us to practice curiosity, while Marty Kooistra challenged us to think differently about building relationships and working together. We also heard from Crystal FitzSimons, President of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), about strengthening our collective advocacy voice, and leaders from Food Lifeline, Northwest Harvest, and Second Harvest Inland Northwest about the future of hunger relief in Washington.
What stood out most to me was the energy and sense of community throughout the conference. The feedback reflected that, too! Attendees rated the conference 4.41 out of 5, with networking, peer learning, and practical takeaways among the most valued parts of the experience.
We were also proud to recognize the Cultural Food Hub at Living Well Kent Collaborative as this year's Fresh Results Award recipient for its innovative work connecting culturally relevant food access, local agriculture, and economic opportunities for immigrant and refugee farmers.
A huge thank you to our planning committee, board, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and everyone who helped make this year's gathering possible. We're already looking forward to Wenatchee, September 29–October 1, 2027!
Shaping What's Next: Your Voices, Our Future
One meaningful conversation at the conference happened during our Shaping What's Next session. Facilitated by Petra Vallila-Buchman, 63 participants shared 200 written responses about the future of WFC and what we can accomplish together as a statewide coalition.
Several clear themes emerged: strengthening our collective voice in state and federal advocacy, sharing best practices and resources, and building stronger connections across regions. Participants also expressed interest in practical tools, such as shared resource directories, funding information, and more regular opportunities to collaborate.
One message stood out: members see WFC's greatest value in connecting organizations and elevating our collective voice in ways that individual organizations cannot accomplish alone.
So, what happens next? We're using this feedback to help shape WFC's strategic plan and the quarterly statewide coalition gatherings we're developing for 2027. We'll also look at how we can strengthen and better communicate the resources, training, and connections WFC already provides.
Many participants expressed interest in helping move these ideas forward, and we look forward to reconnecting with them. This wasn't a one-time opportunity to provide feedback. We want to keep the conversation going and ensure members continue to help shape WFC's direction.
Beyond the Conference: Continuing Our Work
While conference planning kept us busy, other important work continued throughout the quarter.
Our Advocacy Committee has been refining WFC's Advocacy Framework and legislative priorities, while strengthening relationships with state and national partners to ensure local hunger relief voices are part of policy conversations.
We've also continued expanding learning and leadership opportunities through weekly WFC Office Hours, an updated Public Funding Leadership Series that began September 29, and a refreshed on-demand version of the course. Through our partnership with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), we've also engaged experienced professionals to provide specialized training, technical assistance, and resources to support hunger relief organizations across Washington.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the final months of 2026, we're continuing to strengthen WFC's role as a convener, strategist, and catalyst for statewide collaboration and change. Our focus is on advancing our strategic plan, strengthening our collective advocacy efforts, expanding opportunities for learning and collaboration, and preparing for new statewide coalition gatherings in 2027.
One thing has become increasingly clear to me: the strength of WFC is in the people and organizations that make up this coalition. Across Washington, you're finding creative solutions, building partnerships, and showing up for your communities every day. Our role is to connect that work, elevate our voices, and create opportunities for us to move forward together.
Thank you for being part of WFC and for everything you contribute to this network. I'm excited about where we're headed and grateful to be doing this work alongside all of you.
Andra Smith
Executive Director
Washington Food Coalition