6 ways to support family farms in our community
We are excited by the response and scale of our Farm to Community Food Connection program, and grateful for the donor support that has made it possible. To pay it forward, it seems fitting to remind people of other ways to support local agriculture. Here are 6 ways to help keep our local food system thriving!
1. Buy local from a farm stand. Whether it’s ripe peaches, vine-ripened tomatoes, or sweet strawberries, you can go straight to the source!
• Be Love Farm, 7071 Bucktown Lane, Vacaville, CA 95688
• Brazelton Ranch
• Dixon Fruit Market
• Larry’s Produce
• Lockewood Acres
• Pedrick Produce
• Robledo Produce
2. Buy local products online. Many local growers offer their products online and deliver to your door.
• Cal Yee Farm
• Erickson Ranch Jams
• Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company
• Katz Farm
• Olivewood Ranch
• Soul Food Farm
• StoneRoot Field & Sea
3. Buy local wine and join wine clubs. Local wineries offer fine and table wines for your palette and pleasure. If you haven’t yet sipped on these liquid treasures, you’re in for a treat.
• BackRoad Vines
• La Borgata Winery & Distillery
• G V Cellars
• Mangels Vineyards and Tasting Room
• Rock Creek Vineyard
• Seven Artisans Winery
• Suisun Valley Filling Station and Visitor Center
• Suisun Valley Wine Co-op
• Tolenas Vineyards and Winery
• Vezer Family Vineyard
• Wooden Valley Winery
4. Shop at local farmers markets. The Farmers Markets are open, but don’t forget to practice social distancing and wear a mask.
• Benicia
• Vacaville
• Vallejo
• Davis
• Fairfield
5. Sign up for Community Supported Agriculture. CSA’s have grown in popularity with the pandemic. Some have had to cap subscribers, so you may need to call around.
• Cloverleaf Farm
• Full Belly Farm
• Eatwell Farm
• Lockewood Acres
• Soul Food Farm
• Terra Firma Farm
6. Volunteer with or donate to your local food bank. Help distribute food grown by farmers to those in need. Nutritious food is the cornerstone of good health, and you can keep that distribution chain moving by sorting or handing out food. You might also consider a donation.
Photos courtesy of (in order) Be Love Farm, Erickson Ranch, KuoHou Chang, Sarah Nolan, Cloverleaf Farm, and Sarah Nolan.
