SUPPORTING THE WASHINGTON COTTAGE FOOD INDUSTRY
THROUGH PERSONAL ACTION
🗳️ 1. Engage Directly With Policymakers
✔ Contact Your State Legislators
- Reach out to your state representative and state senator to share your experiences and concerns as a cottage food producer.
- Personal stories — especially about how regulatory limits (e.g., sales caps or restricted sales channels) affect your business — often resonate with lawmakers.
- Encourage them to draft or sponsor legislation that reflects cottage food interests (e.g., updating the sales cap, expanding allowable products, adjusting labeling rules). Rep. Carolyn Eslick
✔ Submit Public Comments on Rulemaking
- State agencies such as the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and Department of Health periodically update rules (WAC) implementing cottage food laws.
- When they open a rulemaking or public comment period, submit written input explaining what changes you support and why. This is a formal pathway to influence how rules are shaped.
🤝 2. Plug Into Established Food System Policy Groups
✔ Washington State Food Policy Forum
- The Food Policy Forum is a statutory, cross-sector group of stakeholders (including producers, nonprofits, and government) that develops recommendations for improving the food system in Washington. Washington State Conservation Commission+1
- Although members are appointed, the Forum seeks input from community stakeholders and holds meetings with agendas, summaries, and sometimes listening sessions. Washington State Conservation Commission
- You can contact the Forum or its co-conveners (WSDA and Washington State Conservation Commission) to request to be added to mailing lists, ask how to submit feedback, or express interest in future membership involvement.
✔ Local Food Policy Councils & Community Groups
- Many counties and regions in Washington have local food policy councils, grassroots groups, or food system networks that work on food economy issues — many include small producers and cottage food operators. Food Systems
- These networks amplify voices by aggregating concerns, drafting joint recommendations, and representing producers in broader policy conversations.
📣 3. Build Coalitions and Collective Voice
Even without a formal trade association, you can organize informally:
✔ Form Informal Producer Groups
- Connect with other cottage food makers in your region (e.g., at farmers markets, online forums, or social media groups).
- Pool your experiences and priorities.
- Coordinate joint letters, petitions, or meetings with legislators.
✔ Collaborate With Allied Organizations
Many statewide or national groups already involved in food policy advocacy will support allied causes:
- Small business advocacy groups
- Food freedom or economic liberty organizations (e.g., Institute for Justice has engaged on home food producer rights in Washington) Institute for Justice
- Local food and sustainable agriculture nonprofits (e.g., Washington Tilth Association) Wikipedia
These groups can often help amplify cottage food voices or include your issues in broader food policy campaigns.
🧠 4. Attend Public Meetings & Listening Sessions
✔ Agency and Legislative Listening Sessions
- Departments like the Department of Health and WSDA sometimes host surveys, listening sessions, or forums (e.g., for proposed changes to cottage food law) where you can provide direct input. Washington State Department of Health
- Attend public meetings of legislative committees when food business bills are discussed; you can testify in support or submit written testimony.
✔ Local Government Meetings
- Local city councils, county boards, and zoning boards can affect cottage food operations via local ordinances.
- Request agenda time or submit comments when relevant policies are up for discussion.
📣 5. Use Media and Storytelling
✔ Write Opinion Pieces
- Submit op-eds or letters to the editor in local newspapers about how cottage food laws affect your business and community.
✔ Social Media Advocacy
- Share your story on social platforms, and tag local legislators and policy audiences to raise awareness. This can help generate public support that lawmakers notice.
AS A CF TRADE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP
Our tacos are bursting with flavor! Choose from a variety of meats and toppings, including our signature Local Up Food's Chipotle Chicken Taco.
AS A COTTAGE FOOD CONSUMER
Our pizza is baked to perfection with a crispy crust and delicious toppings. Try our Local Up Food's Special Pizza, topped with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and peppers.
AS A LOCAL FOOD SECURITY ADVOCATE
Our sandwiches are the perfect lunchtime meal! Try our Local Up Food's Club Sandwich, made with turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
AS A SUPPORTER OF DIVERSIFIED LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Looking for a healthier option? Our salads are made with fresh, crisp greens and a variety of toppings. Try our Local Up Food's Greek Salad.
AS A FARMER, GLEANER, OR GARDENER
Don't forget about dessert! Our homemade desserts are the perfect way to end your meal. Try our Local Up Food's Chocolate Chip Cookies.