Vibrant urban areas like Seattle need access to wide varieties of safe and nutritious food.

Consumers who grow their own food and purchase locally grown produce are helping to strengthen regional food systems.

Among the best ways to contribute to Seattle's healthy food system are:

• Buy a share in a farmer's harvest. Often called a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), shares or half-shares can be purchased in the early spring, providing funding to farmers for seeds and other expenses. Each week, farmers deliver boxes or bags of freshly-picked produce. A CSA Directory for our area is produced by Puget Sound Fresh.
• Meet your local farmers when you shop at Farmers Markets. There is a one near you.
• Visit farm stands and U-Pick farms. King County's Farm & Crop Finder lists farms in all of the counties surrounding Puget Sound.
• Volunteer at a farm. Weekend work parties are organized by Northwest Farming for Humanity, run by the Cascade Harvest Coalition. To become a farm apprentice, contact Tilth Producers of Washington.