Food to Bank On Applications Now Being Accepted

September 11, 2017

Food to Bank On Farmer Wins Award, Program Now Accepting New Applications for 2018
Food to Bank On, a beginning farmer business-training project facilitated by Sustainable Connections, is currently accepting applications for up to four new participants in 2018. They are proud to announce that one of the current Food to Bank on participants was recognized at the Farm Fund Hootenanny awards last weekend.

The Food to Bank On project provides farmers with business planning resources, connects beginning farmers with mentor farmers, coordinates specialized workshops and provides new market opportunities. Participants are also paid to deliver fresh food to local food banks and shelters. Whatcom County food banks, soup kitchens and women’s shelters have received close to $100,000 in local products including fresh produce, eggs, meats, and veggie starts since the program’s start in 2003.

Food to Bank On participants go through a business planning series each winter, working with a cohort of peers and mentor farmers to write and revisit their business plans. They also receive marketing assistance and free membership to Sustainable Connections, enabling them to build their business through relationships with retailers, restaurants, and other established farmers. Fifty-two farmers have participated in the three-year program and 80% are still successfully farming – an outstanding rate. In order to provide a diversity of locally available agricultural products, the farmers chosen for Food to Bank On grow and raise a variety of foods like vegetables, meats, eggs, flowers and more.

During last Sunday’s Community Food Co-op Farm Fund Hootenanny, co-hosted by Sustainable Connections, new Food to Bank On farmers Kevin and Brianna Buck, owners of Twin Cedars Farm took home the award for Beginning Farmer of the Year because of numerous customer nomination for quality produce, great customer service, and the exceptional care they give their animals. They sell mixed veggies and fruit as well as pastured eggs at the Bellingham Farmers Market, through restaurants and retailers, and through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares. Two other Food to Bank On nominates were Chubby Bunny Farms and Wild Rose Farm.

Applications for the Food to Bank On Program are available on Sustainable Connection’s website and are due October 20, 2017. Farmers seeking more information can contact Food to Bank On Coordinator Alex Smith at alex@sustainableconnections.org

Current program participants include: Dragon Tongue Medicinal Herb Farm, Chubby Bunny Farm, Blanchard Mountain Farm, Highland Blueberries, Small Acres Farm, Nourish Craft Farm, Free Range Flowers Farm, Slanted Sun Farm, Twin Cedars Farm, Wild Rose Farm, and Vertical Fog Farm.
Current mentor farms: Cedarville Farm, Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Osprey Hill Farm, Rabbit Fields Farm, Misty Meadows Farm & Bow Hill Blueberries.

Program funding comes in part from the following generous sponsors: Dandelion Organic Delivery, Pizza’zza, Diane Padys Photography, Haggen, Industrial Credit Union, Heritage Bank, Community Food Co-op, Terra Organic and Natural