FARM TO FOODBANK

Starting in January, Foodshed began a couple Local Food Purchasing Agreement (LFPA) programs with the San Diego Food Bank and Feeding San Diego. We wholeheartedly believe that fresh regeneratively-grown produce is for all people. Our partnerships with the food banks has allowed us to make this right to nutritious food a reality for thousands of San Diego eaters. Every week, the San Diego Food Bank is receiving 438 pre-packed boxes of fruits and veggies directly from our network of farms. Produce selection is made by the farmer which gives them the ability to be flexible and make informed decisions on how to direct their labor. Congruently, Feeding San Diego makes use of LFPA funding with large bulk purchases. Their willingness to accept and manage this flow of produce is proving to be a critical stream of income for our network of farms.

Foodshed staff and San Diego Food Bank staff smiling and holding some of the pre-packed boxes of veggies/fruits at the San Diego Food Bank receiving warehouse.

The SD Foundation’s Community Food Program grant has supported our efforts to build out the infrastructure necessary to support channeling federal funding to our local farms and food to local eaters. Our small farms and socially disadvantaged farms in particular are reaping the benefits of this support. But everyone in our network appreciates as much consistency and sustainability we can provide. We will continue to advocate for long term, sustained funding. Leveraging government spending for community health and benefit rather than punitive measures! Imagine that!

We are reminded and reinvigorated by the success of this program; for farms, for eaters, and for the environment. Our hope is that this program, along with others around the country funded by LFPA, inspire continued investment in these successful and sustainable food system models.