Community Connects: How Local Salons Unite to Support Edmonds Food Bank

This summer, the Edmonds Food Bank is reviving the tradition of salons—a cozy gathering for conversations at home and in local gardens. On April 24, about 28 community members met in a garden to discuss the pressing issue of food insecurity that affects many in their area.

Kurt Kutay, who organized the event with his wife Anne and friend Marni Muir, shares, “Salons are a perfect chance for curious friends to connect and learn about local challenges like food insecurity.” During the gathering, Food Bank Director Casey Davis provided updates on cuts to the USDA SNAP food assistance program, which has reduced support for local farmers supplying fresh produce.

Davis emphasized, “As social services decline, the need for food assistance only grows. We must tackle the root causes of food insecurity.” Participants learned about plans for a new Edmonds Food Bank facility, which aims to offer improved food storage and distribution, unlike the current rented space in a church basement.

The new facility will also house other social services to support various community needs—health care, housing, and job assistance—all while providing a kitchen for cooking classes and hot meals. Local restaurateur Shubert Ho from Feedme Hospitality mentioned, “With a commercial kitchen, surplus food from restaurants could be turned into healthy meals instead of going to waste.” This initiative could significantly reduce food waste while helping the community.

Representatives from local businesses, including Conor O’Neill of Cottage Bakery and Katherine Berry of PCC Markets, spoke about their roles in the food supply network, which currently benefits up to 1,400 households weekly.

Participant Marguerite LaDue remarked, “The salon was a fantastic way to connect and learn about the food bank’s impressive efforts.” She plans to host her own salon, inviting others to engage in similar discussions.

The Thrive Together committee—Kurt, Anne, and Marni—offer support for anyone willing to host a salon. It’s an opportunity for neighbors to learn about food insecurity and how to help, either through volunteering or supporting the capital campaign.

For more about hosting a salon, reach out to kurt@wildkutay.com. To understand more about the capital campaign and future plans, visit the Edmonds Food Bank website.

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