Win-Win

We have such good news to report from our first month of St. Bart’s Free Farmers Market. In May we served 138 households, and 2,900 pounds of food went to people instead of a landfill! That’s 500 to 600 pounds of food—400 pounds in produce alone—every week. This ministry is made possible by our devoted volunteers, and by a wonderful partner, Trader Joe’s in Poway. Every Sunday at 9 a.m., our volunteers go there to pick up food, which is consistently fresh and organized. We are grateful!

Our partnership is a win-win: We facilitate feeding our neighbors and Trader Joe’s gets a tax break. Now that we are established, let’s extend the win-win to include all of you, too! We invite you to bring items to the Free Farmers Market to distribute to the needy. Do you have extra fruit on your trees or herbs in your garden? Bring them in bags! Do you like to bake cookies, cupcakes, or savory or sweet breads? Bring them in, individually wrapped.

Our guests are also requesting everyday items that are not provided by Trader Joe’s. So, every month, let’s do a drive for some household-sized items! This month we’re asking for cooking oil, bagged rice, and bagged beans. On your next grocery run, could you pick some up for less than $10?

The Free Farmers Market became a reality through the work of Brooke and Jim Grandinetti. They are always looking for more leaders and volunteers. You can email them or sign up online.

One final question: Do you know anyone who could benefit from a bag of groceries left on their doorstep? Contact me so we can extend this ministry even further. You are a blessing!

Mother Nina+