Make This Giving Tuesday a Win-Win for Humboldt Farmers and Food for People

[Photo by Lauren Sarabia]

Every year for more than a decade, Locally Delicious has raised funds to help ensure all our neighbors can have a bountiful Thanksgiving. Food for People uses those funds to contract with local farmers here in Humboldt County to grow produce specifically for the food bank’s clients throughout the growing season.

The funding is given to the farmers early in the Spring, which helps them at a time when financial resources may be scarce. In exchange, farmers agree to grow a specific crop for the food bank at an agreed price for that season.  Priority is given to smaller farms, who can use the money to expand their production. In consultation with the farmers, Food for People selects crops that provide a diversity of produce throughout the season and that can easily be used by people who may have limited cooking facilities.

[Photo by Lauren Sarabia]

This model, unique to Humboldt County, benefits everyone:

–          Farmers benefit by receiving funds at the beginning of the growing season, when their income is at its lowest

–          Food for People benefits by having a continuous source of fresh produce throughout the growing season

–          Community members needing food assistance are assured of reliable access to nutritious food for a good part of the year

Since 2009, the Locally Delicious Food for People Farmer Fund has raised more than $130,000, which has stimulated the local economy by enabling dozens of Humboldt County farmers to provide many tons of fresh, nutritious produce to people who might otherwise not be able to afford it.

By donating to help farmers plant a field for the hungry this Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, you’ll be helping to ensure everyone in Humboldt County has a healthy, happy Thanksgiving next year. Donations can be made online at http://locally-delicious.org/donate/donate-to-ffp-farmer-program/ or by mail to PO Box 309, Arcata, CA 95518 (be sure to write FFP Farmer Fund in the memo field).