Inspired by an initiative started by a farm in Vermont, Nina Jackson Godbout, owner of La Barouette market garden farm, launched a similar project in her own town of Eastman, in the region of Estrie. Already feeding many families through her locally sold vegetables, the market gardener had long been looking for a way to improve access to fresh produce for people who cannot afford it.
“Since my very beginnings as a market gardener, I’ve been looking for ways to democratize access to fresh, nutritious vegetables for my entire community,” says Nina Jackson Godbout.
That’s how she started a fundraising campaign based on a simple concept: before the beginning of the growing season, citizens who are able to do so purchase $20 shares of vegetables for community members who cannot afford them. Throughout the summer, these vegetables will be grown on the farm and delivered to the Eastman Community Fridge, a non-profit organization whose mission is to redistribute food and prepared meals to vulnerable members of the community. For every $20 share purchased by a citizen, the farm adds an additional $5 worth of vegetables. Donors do not receive vegetables in return for their contributions; they give purely out of altruism.
“It worked extremely well. The campaign raised more than $2,000 in donations, which represents $2,500 worth of fresh vegetables that will be grown and distributed through the community fridge this summer, including the farm’s contribution,” she explains.
A Win-Win Initiative
The project has several positive impacts at once: it allows market gardeners to better plan their seasons by receiving an influx of funds at the beginning of the year. It also helps reduce food waste by encouraging partnerships between farmers and organizations working in food security and, ultimately, provides direct food assistance to people in need.
“It’s a project that’s easy to replicate in other communities. It’s an idea based entirely on community solidarity, and it works,” explains Nina Jackson Godbout.
