advocacy, federal policy

My Week in Washington, D.C. with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

February 24, 2026

By Ellen Olack, AFPC Programs Manager

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s (NSAC) Lobby Day. This was NSAC’s largest lobby day to date with over 150 attendees which included over 50 farmers. The group met with nearly 150 congressional offices, representing 32 states. As the only organization from Alaska that is a member of the coalition, the Alaska Food Policy Council plays a unique role in bringing our state’s food system priorities to the national stage. While I’ve collaborated with many NSAC members virtually for over a year, this trip marked the first time I was able to meet most of them in person. It was energizing, grounding, and a powerful reminder of the collective work happening across the country to build more resilient and equitable food systems.

Ellen Olack, Susan Lightfoot Schempf, Ben Feldman

The first two days of the convening focused on connection and preparation. We spent time meeting fellow coalition members and NSAC staff, strengthening relationships that had previously lived in Zoom boxes. There was ample time to network, share updates from our respective states, and learn about ongoing national campaigns and legislative strategies.

We also reviewed best practices for meeting with congressional offices, from refining our talking points to anticipating questions and framing our requests clearly. Participants engaged in mock meetings, which provided a helpful opportunity to practice delivering our messages and to hear how others are approaching similar issues in their regions.

Wednesday was “Hill Day.” After a quick breakfast and final team huddles, coalition members headed to meetings with congressional offices. I was grateful to secure meetings with Senator Murkowski’s office, as well as with Representative Begich himself. Having the chance to directly discuss Alaska’s food system needs at the federal level was both exciting and deeply meaningful.

In both meetings, we spoke about several bills currently in development that have the potential to positively impact Alaska:

H.R. 6776 – Farmers to Families Act
This bill seeks to modernize the current WIC program by allowing participants to use their year-round Cash Value Benefits at farmers markets, farm stands, and to purchase Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes. Currently, WIC participants can only use the $45 Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) benefit at farmers markets every summer. Expanding flexibility would increase access to fresh, local food for families while also strengthening market opportunities for farmers.

S.2338 – Strengthening Local Food Security Act
H.R.4782 – Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act
We also discussed companion bills S. 2338 and H.R. 4782. These bills aim to create permanent funding pathways for the short-term USDA pilot incentive program that ended last year. That program had already demonstrated its value in Alaska. Through this initiative, we saw the purchase, processing, and transportation of a cow raised in Homer make its way to a school in Newhalen. This is just one tangible example of how strategic federal investment can strengthen local supply chains, support producers, and improve food access in rural communities. To learn more check out this StoryMap outlining the Cow’s Journey.

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Beyond the policy discussions, this trip to D.C. felt different from others I’ve taken in the past. This was my first experience lobbying at the federal level, which in itself was significant. But the broader atmosphere of the city was also distinct. There was a visible National Guard presence, and street art throughout parts of the city reflected public response to the rise in ICE raids. The juxtaposition of civic engagement inside congressional offices and public expression on the streets was striking. It served as a reminder that policy conversations do not happen in a vacuum but are shaped by larger social, political, and cultural dynamics. For more on this topic, ACLU of Alaska has resources.

Overall, the week reinforced how important it is for Alaska to have a seat at the table in national food policy conversations. Our geography, supply chains, and community needs are unique, but we are not alone in the work to build stronger local and regional food systems. Being in community with partners from across the country to learn, advocate, and share stories was both inspiring and motivating.

I’m grateful to have received an NSAC stipend to allow me the opportunity to represent Alaska in these conversations and look forward to continuing this work in partnership with our congressional delegation and fellow national coalition members.

During the same week I was in Washington, D.C. with NSAC, AFPC Executive Director Robbi Mixon and Advocacy and Policy Director Rachel Lord were in Juneau, Alaska, participating in the Food Security Fly-in. While we were advocating on the federal level, they were engaging directly with state leaders to advance food policy priorities here at home. You can learn more about their time in Juneau and the key conversations they had by reading their recap blog here!

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My Week in Washington, D.C. with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

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