Bringing produce from local farms to low-income families and individuals, the Farm to Food Pantry Program is back helping the community stay fed and healthy for the third year.
This WSU Extension Office program buys vegetables and fruits from Clallam County farmers, which are then distributed to local food banks — allowing area residents access to nutritious food and aiding small, newly-established farms by giving them a guaranteed buyer.
This year’s program sees eight farms participating in the program, including The Farm, Joy Farm and Chi’s Farm in Sequim, Reaume’s Farm and Purple House Farm in Beaver, Wild Edge Farm in Port Angeles, and some newly established farmers vending at the first year Makah Farmer’s Market.
Farms grow a variety of produce, from asparagus to raspberries to zucchini.
“My favorite part of the program so far has been getting to visit all these unique farms and see the ingenuity of their diverse growing operations,” Sharah Truett, WSU Extension Farm to Food Pantry Coordinator, said.
“Wild Edge Farm is located right on the Elwha River and has helped with the ecological restoration of the watershed by planting native plants all along their section of riverbank; Reaume’s Farm has figured out how to deal with some of the challenges of a short growing season and persistent elk browsing, and Joy Farm ploughs using draft horses to lessen their impact on soil compaction.”
Elli Rose of Joy Farm said she is pleased to participate in the program because it allows them to make their produce more “available to people in (the) community.”
Several community donors stepped forward to help support the program this year through matching funds: Blondie’s Plate and the Co-Op Farm and Garden in Sequim, First Presbyterian Church of Port Angeles, and Swain’s. In addition, the Port Angeles Senior Center is hosting a bunco night on Thursday, Sept. 20, to raise funds for the Farm to Food Pantry Program.
For more information about the program, contact Truett at struett@co.clallam.wa.us or by calling 360-565-2619.
