New partnership connects SLO farmers to deliver fresh produce 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 those in need.
Through this initiative, made possible by the Build Back Better Act, Harvestly connects the SLO Food Bank with local farmers, building relationships that provide the freshest, most nutritious food to those in need while helping farmers increase profitability and expand production.
Frank Martinon, owner of MG Farms, said: “It was a huge relief for me to be able to move my produce. Such a great opportunity and a huge help to me – otherwise I always had too much fruit and vegetables and didn’t know what to do with them. This funding came at just the right time and I’m really excited about it. It’s a big deal.”
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Molly Kern, CEO of SLO Food Bank, said, “The partnership with Harvestly and funding will dramatically increase the amount and variety of hyperlocal, seasonal produce distributed through the SLO Food Bank network. In the few weeks since the program began, we have been able to deliver avocados, strawberries, tomatillos, corn and more to the over 36,500 people we serve each month.”
Taryn Mohler, Operations Manager at Harvestly, said, “Having the opportunity to pay farmers what they deserve in a timely manner while providing 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 this and see the positive impact it has 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, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, and Fresh Approach.
About 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 an average of over 36,500 neighbors per month through its Neighborhood Food Distributions, a network of over 70 nonprofit agency partners, its Senior Home Delivery Program, and children’s and senior farmers markets. All of this is made possible by the generosity of volunteers and donors. For more information about the 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 an easy-to-use online marketplace offering over 1,200 locally-sourced products from nearly 100 vendors. From fresh fruits and meats to baked goods and prepared meals, we offer a wide variety of products delivered to your door on Friday afternoons from Paso Robles to Orcutt. Our mission is to empower small food and farm businesses by improving their marketing and distribution while increasing community access to healthy, local food. We believe everyone deserves nutritious food and are committed to making it accessible, reliable, and affordable. Help us create a sustainable and resilient food system for our community.
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