North Coast Growers’ Association Launches Fundraiser for New Market Truck

Press release from the North Coast Growers’ Association:

The North Coast Growers’ Association (NCGA), dedicated to supporting Humboldt County’s farmers and artisan producers, has launched a fundraising campaign to purchase a new vehicle. NCGA urgently needs a replacement for its Market Truck, which is vital to the operation of several of your favorite Farmers’ Markets.

Help us reach our fundraising goal- donations will be generously matched up to $25,000!

The NCGA, celebrating its 46th season, hosts ten certified farmers’ markets throughout Humboldt County. With over 100 members, the organization has grown significantly from its humble beginnings. These markets are an essential outlet and livelihood for many local farmers, providing fresh, local food to the community.

NCGA’s mission is to support Humboldt County’s farmers and artisan producers in building a robust and resilient local food system. The organization ensures that local market opportunities match the needs of its members and community, promoting financial sustainability and increasing local food security and resiliency.

National Farmers Market Week

August 4 – 10th is National Farmers Market Week, the 25th annual celebration of this valuable community resource. National Farmers Market Week is an opportunity to connect with your local farmers and promote local food. There will be raffles, chef demos and other special things happening at different Farmers Markets throughout the county. Come and check out what we have going on! We will be wrapping up our Vehicle Fundraiser at the end of the week, so show your support for the Farmers Market by donating or sharing the information with those who may be interested in helping.

The Need for a New Vehicle

The NCGA’s market truck, which transports the market supplies used to set up and run the markets, has broken down beyond repair. Historically, the organization has relied on older, used vehicles, which led to higher maintenance costs and frequent breakdowns. A new, reliable vehicle is crucial for maintaining the vibrant and thriving markets the community loves and depends on.

The goal is to raise $56,500 to cover the down payment, overall vehicle costs, and building efficient storage systems inside the vehicle. Every dollar donated will bring us closer to our goal. NCGA has broken down the cost of a new vehicle into three tiers. Here’s how your support can make a difference:

• $56,500.00

The total cost includes the purchase price of a new, reliable vehicle plus the customized buildout required for our particular storage needs inside the vehicle for supplies.

• $54,000.00

This is the cost of the vehicle, including taxes and fees.

• $15,000.00

This would cover a downpayment on the vehicle.

Thanks to a generous social justice donor group, all donations will be matched up to $25,000, doubling the impact of every contribution. With $12,329.25 already raised, the NCGA is on its way to reaching its goal with the community’s help.

Community Impact

This new vehicle will ensure the smooth operation of multiple weekly markets, keeping fresh, local food accessible to everyone. Community support through participation, cooperation, donations, and sponsorships helps NCGA fulfill its mission and move closer to its vision of a sustainable food system in Humboldt County. Show your support for the heart of Humboldt County’s local food system. Your donation makes a difference!

About NCGA

The North Coast Growers’ Association is a founding member of the California Alliance of Farmers’ Markets, a coalition committed to improving the farmers’ market industry through access and equity, policy and advocacy, best practices, professional development, marketing and consumer education, and integrity.

Customers with CalFresh EBT cards and WIC checks are welcome at most North Coast Growers’ Association Farmers’ Markets (except Shelter Cove). Market Match is also available to help make fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable.  CalFresh benefits can even be spent on plants and seeds that produce food. Visit the Market Info booth to learn more about CalFresh and Market Match or to sign up.

NCGA provides administrative support for the CalFresh Outreach and Market Match healthy food nutrition incentives program for the Garberville, Miranda, and Shelter Cove markets. NCGA receives funding support for the Market Match program from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program and the California Nutrition Incentive Program. NCGA also receives funding support through a contract with the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services for CalFresh Outreach. Shoppers can now use CalFresh and receive Market Match at all Humboldt County Certified Farmers’ Markets.

NCGA is the operator of most Certified Farmers’ Markets in Humboldt County. Membership in the North Coast Growers’ Association is open to residents of Humboldt County who grow or raise what they sell within Humboldt County.  Working collaboratively, NCGA staff and members represent agricultural interests in Humboldt County through community partnerships that promote local and healthy foods, programs that increase access to local food, participation in local and statewide policy-making, and coordination of nine Certified Farmers’ Markets. A number of independent markets and farm stands continue to operate in various communities. For a full listing of Certified Farmers’ Markets, community markets, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms, as well as a directory of all farmers’ market vendors, please visit www.northcoastgrowersassociation.org.