Just Roots: Working for food justice -- Rooted in community. Each Year we reflect back and hope forward.
This is an important part of our year. It is the season of giving. We kick off our year end fundraising in November with #ValleyGivingTuesday. Between now and the end of the year we ask you, our community, to consider contributing to the work of Just Roots with your generous gift. Give an amount that is meaningful to you and help us reach our goal of $10,000 by the end of Giving Tuesday and a total of $20,000 by the end of this calendar year. Your support will enable us to build from our success and go boldly forward in our efforts to build health equity through local food access in our community.
Reflections: 2018 saw struggle and success. Rain and cold kept our fields wet and our crops undersized with less yield. However, rain and cold did not dampen our spirits. Rain and cold did not keep our farm team and volunteers from working the earth and reaping all we could from our land, creating bounty and joy for our community. We did it - and we did it with YOU, our community.
In 2018 we achieved a great deal:
- We provided inclusive access to 24 weeks of farm fresh produce to more than 200 community members (50% of our members live on low income).
- We donated 5,000 lbs of produce to Leyden Woods Food Pantry and Stone Soup Cafe, a pay what you can cafe located downtown.
- We hosted more than 60 Community Gardeners who grew their own food, flowers and medicine.
- We welcomed visitors and volunteers to our farm giving nearly 2000 hours of love and labor.
- And we deepened connection to where our food comes from in our community through workshops and on-farm events. Together we are building health equity and community.
When we think about our impact we like to pay attention to the #s AND the stories. Below are some #s that reveal the impact of our 2018 CSA farm share program:
"I have totally enjoyed the farm share, the people, the wonderful produce, and the farm experience...
The tastings and the farm gleanings each week are really wonderful. I love seeing the children in a real garden with their parents.
I can remember studying Greenfield properties and this old property that was then not in use except for storage, back in 2008-2009.
And I remember the first efforts of people to recreate a working farm. What you have now is unbelievable. Thanks for restoring the farm and the wonderful program."
- words from a 2018 CSA member
Just Roots looks forward to 2019 with hope and excitement as we build upon what we accomplished this year together. As we steward our land and hone our radical voice; as we work for justice and become change agents in the face of adversity for these are trying times in our nations, we invites you to remain engaged with us during the final weeks of this year and as we welcome in the next. We do what we do for you - and - we couldn't do it without you.
Please help us with your gift today. We will leverage your support by giving back to our farm and to our whole community. Help Just Roots raise $20,000 by the end of the year.
Your gift matters. Give a gift that is personally significantly and meaningful to you. Just Roots: Working for food justice -- Rooted in community.
Eat well and be well this holiday season.
Jessica O'Neill - Executive Director
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