Access to food should not be a question. It should be a guarantee.

Across our communities, too many families are navigating inconsistent access to fresh, reliable food. Whether it’s limited availability, rising costs, or reliance on systems that don’t always meet real needs, the gap is clear—and it affects people every day.

In District 39, we also see a lack of community-centered food infrastructure—there is no cooperative grocery store serving the district. That matters. Co-ops are not just stores; they are community anchors that provide access to fresh food, local ownership, and long-term stability.

Food access is directly connected to health, stability, and dignity. When families don’t have consistent access to quality food, the impact shows up in our schools, our workforce, and our communities.

This is not something I’ve only studied—it’s work I’ve been directly involved in.

Through community-based efforts, I’ve worked alongside partners to help coordinate food distribution, connect resources, and support families across multiple communities. I’ve seen firsthand both the strength of our networks—and the gaps that still exist.

What I’ve learned is this: we don’t just need more food—we need better systems. Systems that prioritize fresh, accessible food, support local partnerships, and are built around how communities actually function.

As State Senator, I will focus on:

• Strengthening partnerships with local food providers and community organizations
• Supporting access to fresh, high-quality food—not just surplus or inconsistent supply
• Exploring and supporting community-based models like cooperative grocery stores
• Improving coordination between food distribution systems and the communities they serve
• Expanding solutions that meet people where they are

But real solutions start with listening.

If you or your family have experienced challenges accessing food, I want to hear from you. Your insight helps shape better systems—and stronger solutions. Reach out, share your experience, and let’s work together to improve food access in our communities.

Food is not just a resource—it’s a foundation.

When communities have consistent access to food, everything else becomes stronger.