Stretch your food dollars with programs that can help

March 16, 2026.Reading time 9 minutes.

A farmers market stall displays baskets of fresh vegetables, including leafy greens and carrots, with a sign reading “SNAP Market Match Accepted Here” and informational vouchers showing that SNAP benefits can be used and matched at the market.

When the cost of food rises faster than a family’s income, it can feel like the table is getting emptier. But in King County, there are programs making a real difference. SNAP, WIC, Fresh Bucks, and local food banks are helping households keep food at home, ease daily worry, and feel supported during a tough moment.

Six brain healthy habits to support memory, mood, and lifelong vitality

October 1, 2025.Reading time 8 minutes.

four older adults seating around a table painting, smiling and happy.

Your brain thrives on movement, connection, and curiosity, and it’s never too late to start. From brisk walks to blueberry bowls, small daily choices can protect memory, boost mood, and support lifelong vitality. Backed by science and rooted in community, these six habits offer a practical path to aging well. Let’s invest in brain health, one step at a time.

Our top picks of King County trails to recharge & reconnect

June 30, 2025.Reading time 5 minutes.

A forest trail runs beside the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River, with mossy rocks and tall evergreens under soft sunlight.

Reconnect with nature this summer—no car required. Explore King County’s most-loved trails and discover how local public health pros unplug, recharge, and soak up the beauty of the season. Your perfect path to wellness might be just a few steps away.

Why early breast cancer screenings are even more important in Washington

October 25, 2024.Reading time 7 minutes.

six women standing in front of a white brick wall. They are all wearing pink t-shirts with pink ribbon pins, symbolizing breast cancer awareness. They are holding hands and raising their arms in a gesture of unity and support. They are dressed casually in jeans and sneakers.

Finding breast cancer early through regular check-ups can save lives by allowing doctors to treat the cancer more effectively and improve survival rates. The Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program (BCCHP) provides free and confidential screenings for those who need them.

Safer School Routes: Protecting kids on their way to school

September 10, 2024.Reading time 4 minutes.

Photo of a stop sign attached to a school bus.

This school year, King County is taking significant steps to ensure students have safe and accessible routes to their schools. Here’s how the county is helping make it easier for kids to walk, bike, and roll to school and how you can get involved.

How Vaping Affects Teen Brain Development and School Performance

September 3, 2024.Reading time 7 minutes.

A kid and his coach seating at the stadium benches smiling at each other.

Vaping has surged in popularity among teenagers, posing significant risks to their developing brains. It is crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers to understand these dangers to effectively protect students from the harmful effects of vaping.