One of our goals here at Whidbey Island Grown is to reduce obstacles to buying local, including increasing access to fresh, local food.
More island community members than ever are experiencing barriers to buying healthy, local food. Barriers include, limited access to transportation, limited funds for buying food, and/or insufficient knowledge of preparing and eating seasonal, fresh food. WIGC contributes to reducing these barriers with the Community Food Access Matching Fund (CFAMF).
The Community Food Access Matching Fund is a fund created through donations from Food Hub customers. The fund is dedicated to increasing fresh, local food within our community by increasing buying power and access to local food for those experiencing food insecurity.
Our fund has two avenues for supporting food access and increasing the ability of our low income community members to access and enjoy local food through the Food Hub:
CFAMF for Organizations
CFMAF for Organizations is aimed at amplifying the purchasing power of food access and support organizations such as food banks, low income and senior food delivery services, food access kitchens, and organizations serving homeless and low income individuals.
CFAMF for Organizations applicants provide a pledge of funds they will spend on the Food Hub to purchase fresh, local food, either to distribute to or use in cooking meals for low income individuals. CFAMF for Organizations will then match the pledged funds 50-100%, making it possible for the organization to purchase more fresh food from local producers.
Now Accepting Applications! Eligible organizations must be a non-profit serving low income, low access community members, and must be located on Whidbey Island. For questions and more information, please email Shannon at foodhub@whidbeyislandgrown.com.
Food Hub Bucks for Individuals
Food Hub Bucks is aimed at providing food insecure households with funds to purchase local food products on the Food Hub. Individuals and households can self-report their need through our online application, and receive Food Hub Bucks to spend on the Food Hub marketplace.
Food Hub Bucks recipients will be awarded $25/month directly onto their Food Hub accounts to be spent at their discretion and need. Recipients are on a first come, first serve basis each month.
This program has been made possible thanks to our generous Food Hub customers who have donated to the Food Access Fund over the years.
Help us to grow and continue the Community Food Access Matching Fund by adding a donation to your next Food Hub order. Every bit helps!
Please note, donations through the Food Hub are NOT tax deductible. If you’d like to make a tax deductible donation, please contact Shannon at: foodhub@whidbeyislandgrown.com.