Food To Bank On project
Founded by the Community Food Co-op's Farm Fund and administered by Sustainable Connections' Food & Farming program since 2003, this new farmer incubation project creates partnerships among new sustainable agriculture farmers, experienced growers, and area food banks to provide fresh, organic, and locally grown produce to low-income community members. The new farmers receive technical assistance, a mentor, attend trade meetings, and are paid market rates to deliver their produce according to a set crop schedule, thus bringing high quality food to the hungry and also preparing them to deliver to other clients such as restaurants and grocery retailers.
16 small-scale beginning farmers have participated in the program, and almost all are still farming successfully today. These farmers not only gained experience but were also paid market rates to deliver thousands of pounds of fresh produce to local food banks. The community, farmers, and the hungry all benefit from the innovative and effective work of the Food To Bank On project.
Meet our participating farmers:
2007 Sponsors:
Mary Redman Foundation
Terra Organica Health Food Grocery Store
