On Wednesday, April 29, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an expansion of the Farm to Family program, a collaboration between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB). The program, which facilitates donations of excess produce from California farms to food banks, is expected to support more than 20 million pounds of produce donations in the coming months. Newsom’s announcement highlighted $3.6 million in funds the state has already raised from a combination of USDA grants and philanthropic donations. The campaign hopes to raise $15 million overall.
Newsom highlighted the economic toll of COVID-19 on both agriculture producers and consumers. He pointed out that some producers have seen significant drops in demand in the market while demand at food banks has risen by 70 percent statewide. This program is one of many state and federal programs designed to support farmers while increasing support for consumers with reduced spending power. Through the Farm to Family program, producers will receive up to 15 cents per pound for produce and will be eligible for a tax credit. Families visiting food banks will be able to access fresh and local produce, something that was once scarce in food bank programs, which rely heavily on non-perishable goods.
To learn more about participating in the program, visit the Farm to Family page on the CAFB website.
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