SLO Food Bank starts Local Harvest Fund to aid farms
– The SLO Food Bank has launched the Local Harvest Fund, a new fundraising initiative created in response to the loss of $600,000 in federal funding from the Local Food Purchase Assistance program.
The campaign is being jumpstarted by a multi-year investment from Must! Charities. The fund will allow the food bank to continue its local food purchasing program, which provides regionally grown food to families and individuals facing food insecurity.
The Local Harvest Fund will also support farmers, ranchers, and producers in San Luis Obispo County. By 2030, the SLO Food Bank aims to invest $1.5 million in direct purchases from local businesses.
“Investments from the SLO Food Bank have been vital to our operations as farmers; I don’t think we could have survived the season without the food bank,” said Miriam Olivera, co-owner of Hijas de las Fresa. “The money isn’t leaving the community; it’s staying within the community, and it’s important to remember that farm workers often utilize the food bank. The opportunity to sell locally in that manner wasn’t possible before.”
“The Local Harvest Fund is our community’s answer to ensuring consistent access to fresh, healthy food for our neighbors and continued support for our local agricultural community,” said Molly Kern, CEO of the SLO Food Bank. “We are profoundly grateful to Must! Charities for their extraordinary and historic commitment, which provides a powerful foundation for this new initiative. Contributions to the Local Harvest Fund will allow us to continue supporting local farmers and get this vital food to those who need it most, even in the face of funding cuts.”
“From Farm to Family, the Local Harvest Fund is neighbors helping neighbors—a solution to hunger that keeps local food on local tables, supports farmers, and cultivates trust across our community. Must! Charities is proud to invest in this initiative because it ensures fresh, locally grown food reaches families in need while strengthening the agricultural roots of San Luis Obispo County and building a healthier, more connected future for us all,” said Randy Gray, director of community investments for Must! Charities.
The SLO Food Bank invites the public to support the Local Harvest Fund at slofoodbank.org/harvest.
For more information, contact Savannah Colevans, marketing and communications manager, at (805) 835-5275 or scolevans@slofoodbank.org.
