Food For People’s Fundraising Challenge Raises $182,000: Empowering Local Farmers and Strengthening Our Community!

Kale being harvested at Green Spiral Farms in the Arcata Bottoms near the Mad River. Photo Credit: Claire Weissbluth, Food for People.

Food for People, the Humboldt County food bank, has recently seen an incredible community response to a fundraising challenge. Two friends of the organization were motivated to create this challenge after federal funding cuts affected local food programs. Their determination helped raise over $128,000, which far surpassed the original goal of $50,000.

This year, a surprising cut to the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program hit hard. Historically, this program provided about $360,000 annually to Food for People, allowing them to buy fresh produce from local farmers. Carly Robbins, the Executive Director of Food for People, shared how crucial this funding was for local agriculture. Many farms had already planned their seasons based on this support.

Fortunately, the community stepped up. A last-minute donation of $55,000 helped bring the total to around $182,000, allowing the food bank to continue sourcing local produce, though on a smaller scale than before. Last year alone, through the LFPA, the food bank purchased almost 90,000 pounds of locally grown food, which significantly benefited both local farms and those in need.

Local food initiatives like the Locally Delicious Farmers Fund, established in 2010, aim to improve access to fresh foods for those using Food for People’s services. This fund promotes purchasing from local farms and producers, creating a direct link between our community and local agriculture.

As we look at the impacts of funding cuts today, it’s essential to recognize the importance of supporting local food systems. Recent data indicates that local food purchases can lead to a significant economic boost for communities, keeping dollars circulating within local economies. In 2021, nearly 60% of consumers reported a preference for buying local food to support farmers and enhance community resilience.

Food for People distributed 2.4 million pounds of food in the last year, reaching over 21,000 people each month. Their work extends beyond food distribution; they provide nutrition education, food recovery programs, and various partnerships that strengthen community ties.

For more details on how to access food resources or support Food for People, check out their website: foodforpeople.org.

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