Living Well Kent (LWK) is a grassroots, community-led organization based in Kent, Washington, committed to building a healthier, more equitable, and empowered community. Founded on the belief that every individual deserves access to the resources they need to thrive, Living Well Kent operates through the lens of equity, cultural inclusivity, and community collaboration.
Our Mission
To create a healthier, more vibrant Kent by advancing opportunities in food justice, economic development, public health, and civic engagement—especially for immigrants, refugees, and historically underserved populations.
What We Do
Living Well Kent leads and supports a wide range of community-centered programs focused on:
🌱 Food Access & Food Justice
LWK addresses food insecurity by:
- Operating Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs that connect local farmers to families in need.
- Managing community gardens that empower residents to grow their own food.
- Providing healthy food education, cooking classes, and nutrition workshops.
- Partnering with local organizations and farmers to distribute affordable produce across the city.
🏘️ Economic Empowerment
We work to reduce economic barriers by:
- Supporting small business incubation, particularly for BIPOC and immigrant entrepreneurs.
- Offering training on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and cooperative economics.
- Hosting vendor opportunities at the Kent Farmers Market, helping emerging business owners reach new customers.
💬 Civic Engagement & Advocacy
We amplify community voices through:
- Organizing town halls and listening sessions on public policy and local issues.
- Mobilizing voter education and participation efforts.
- Promoting equity-focused solutions in local governance and health systems.
🧒 Youth & Family Support
Our youth programs aim to uplift the next generation through:
- Leadership training, mentorship, and career readiness workshops.
- Arts and cultural enrichment activities.
- Early childhood development initiatives that support parents and caregivers.
💻 Technology Equity
We bridge the digital divide by:
- Providing digital literacy training.
- Offering access to computers, internet hotspots, and tech support for families and students.
LWK’s Role in the Kent Farmers Market
In 2024, Living Well Kent officially assumed the production of the Kent Farmers Market, after the longtime organizers, the Kent Lions Club, stepped back. This marked a new chapter for the market, with a renewed focus on equity, community inclusion, and sustainable local economies.
Under LWK’s stewardship, the market now:
- Prioritizes diverse vendors, including women-, immigrant-, and BIPOC-owned businesses.
- Accepts SNAP/EBT, WIC, and Fresh Bucks, making healthy food more accessible to low-income families.
- Offers cultural programming and entertainment, celebrating the richness of Kent’s diverse population.
- Serves as a platform for education, outreach, and engagement around health and wellness.
By aligning the market’s mission with LWK’s core values, the organization has turned the Kent Farmers Market into not just a shopping destination, but a transformational space for community development and economic justice.
Join Us
Living Well Kent thrives because of the people behind it — volunteers, families, youth, and partners who believe in building a stronger, more resilient Kent.
To volunteer, donate, or learn more about our programs, please visit:
🌐 www.livingwellkent.org
Together, we are planting the seeds of equity, wellness, and hope — and watching our community grow.
