In 2022, the Broad Street Food Pantry operated the Fresh for All project, paying 9 local sustainable farms to deliver $35,694 of fresh produce to the near east side food pantry. All farms selected represented at least one marginalized identity (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, female, first generation, or urban) and 6 were from Franklin County.

Selected farms then collaborated on a produce delivery schedule in the winter of 2022 that met the needs of the pantry shoppers and farm capacity. To alleviate the economic burden of the farms, they were pre-paid half of their expected produce value before the growing season began in a community-supported-agriculture model.

Each week between April and December of 2022, the pantry received deliveries of fresh, local produce to supplement the pantry’s regular offerings. Farmers enjoyed providing fruits and vegetables for their community and shared that “having a guaranteed sale on a bi-weekly schedule was nice”. Pantry staff and shoppers appreciated the quality and variety of produce, none of which was wasted at the point of distribution.

The Fresh for All project meets a triple benefit of providing community members with fresh, healthy food, farmers with a guaranteed, meaningful source of income, and low-waste, low-transport resource use. Rachel gratefully served as the farmer coordinator for the 2022 season and supports the 2023 season as a volunteer. The pantry and farmers hope to continue to refine their processes and expand to like-minded institutions in the coming years.