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Food Systems

The WSU Food Systems Program has grown from historical roots of what was the Small Farms Program, built on many years of dedicated support for Washington Farmers. We now venture to broaden our objectives, taking a holistic approach to supporting the Washington food system.

Small farms are important to Washington State, with significant numbers of them found in every county. Like other small businesses, small farms can be valuable community assets, generating income and employment opportunities.

Farmers in northeast Washington have many options for marketing their various crop and livestock products. In fact, the number of options is only limited by one’s own imagination!

Donate extra produce to help fight hunger in Spokane County!

If you have extra produce to share, please consider donating to one of the many local organizations that provide food to low-income individuals throughout the county.

Helpful Contacts

Kathryn Hoogheem
Agriculture Extension Educator
WSU Stevens County Extension
Office: 509-684-2588
Mobile: 509-690-1027 (texts welcome)
Email: kathryn.hoogheem@wsu.edu
Website: extension.wsu.edu/stevens

Aaron Esser
Area Extension Agronomist
WSU Adams/Lincoln Area Extension
205 W Main, Ritzville, WA 99169
Phone: 509-659-3210 Mobile: (509) 660-0566
Email: aarons@wsu.edu
Website: http://lincoln-adams.wsu.edu

Food Safety Information

It is important to keep raw meat away from other food. Tips to avoid cross contamination:

  • Wash hands after handling raw meat.
  • Wash and sanitize all food-contact surfaces that touch raw meat.
  • Prepare raw meat in an area away from other foods.
  • Use a separate cutting board for raw meat.
  • Store raw meat below other foods in the refrigerator.
  • Store meat with a higher cooking temperature (like chicken) below meat with a lower cooking temperature (like fish).

Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill

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