Global to Local, 2800 South 192
nd
Street, Suite 104, SeaTac, WA 98188 Phone: (206) 359-0536
LETTER OF SUPPORT
Dear Port of Seattle Commissioners,
The Food Innovation Network, a program of Global to Local, is pleased to offer this letter of support for
the Airport Food and Beverage Introductory Kiosk Project at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Global to Local (G2L) was founded in 2010 to improve health outcomes for underserved communities in
South King County. A key strategy links health improvements with economic development. Over the
years, local immigrant and refugee populations have demonstrated strong interest in food
entrepreneurship but face barriers to entering the market. This community-identified issue catalyzed
G2L’s Food Innovation Network (FIN) to launch a Food Business Incubator in 2017 with the capstone
project of opening Spice Bridge, a global food hall in Tukwila, in September 2020.
Home to our Food Business Incubator, Spice Bridge includes a commercial kitchen, retail kiosks, and
dining space with affordable rental rates for incubator participants. This effort is focused on ensuring
BIPOC and immigrant and refugee food entrepreneurs have access to affordable commercial kitchens, can
navigate permitting barriers, and establish retail market channel connections. As a result, these businesses
are empowered to grow and manage their own affordable and stable commercial spaces in the future. The
Introductory Kiosk Project would amplify our efforts in ensuring there are pathways for these businesses
to grow and scale for financial stability.
We strongly encourage the Port of Seattle Commissioners to consider and approve the Airport Food and
Beverage Introductory Kiosk Project proposal as it will provide economic opportunity to underserved
communities here in the region.
Sincerely,
A.J. McClure Kara Martin
Global to Local Executive Director Food Innovation Network Program Director
aj@globaltolocal.org kara@foodinnovationnetwork.org
