New partnership connects SLO farmers with fresh produce distribution to over 36,500 residents each month
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Harvestly and the SLO Food Bank are launching a new partnership to support local farmers and bring fresh produce to people in need.
Through this initiative made possible by the Build Back Better Act, Harvestly connects the SLO Food Bank with local farmers to build relationships that provide the freshest, most nutritious food to people in need, all while helping farmers increase profitability and expand production.
Frank Martinon, owner of MG Farms, shared, “For me, it was a big relief to move my produce. Such a great opportunity and a big help to me — I would always end up with extra produce and not know what to do with it. This funding came in at just the right time, and I’m really excited about it. It’s a big deal.”
SLO Food Bank CEO Molly Kern said, “The partnership with Harvestly and the funding will dramatically increase the amount and variety of hyper-local, in-season produce distributed through the SLO Food Bank network. In the few weeks since the program started, we’ve been able to get avocados, strawberries, tomatillos, corn, and so much more to the over 36,500 people we serve each month.”
Harvestly Director of Operations Taryn Mohler stated, “Having the ability to pay farmers what they deserve in a verytimely manner, while serving the community with the freshest produce is incredible. Everyone wins and gets the best of the best. I’m so grateful to be a part of it and to see the positive impact it’s having on our community.”
This program is funded through the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance program and administered by the California Association of Food Banks, Community Alliance with Family Farmers, and Fresh Approach.
About the SLO Food Bank
The SLO Food Bank’s mission is to work with a network of community partners to alleviate hunger in San Luis Obispo County and build a healthier community. In 2023, the SLO Food Bank served over 36,500 neighbors on average per month through its Neighborhood Food Distributions, a network of over 70 nonprofit Agency Partners, its Senior Home Delivery Program, and Children’s and Seniors’ Farmer’s Markets. All of this is made possible by the generosity of volunteers and donors. To learn more about resources offered by the SLO Food Bank or ways to get involved, visit slofoodbank.org.
About Harvestly
Harvestly, a nonprofit program of Slow Money SLO, is a user-friendly online marketplace offering over 1,200 locally sourced products from nearly 100 vendors. From fresh fruits and meats to baked goods and ready-to-eat meals, we provide a wide range of items delivered to your door on Friday afternoons, from Paso Robles to Orcutt. Our mission is to empower small food and farm businesses by enhancing their marketing and sales while increasing community access to healthy, local foods. We believe everyone deserves nutritious food and are committed to making it accessible, reliable, and affordable. Join us in creating a sustainable and resilient food system for our community.
