The Boonville Farmers’ Market cash assistance program, otherwise known as Boonville Community Supported Agriculture (BCSA), is in need of immediate monetary donations to keep it afloat for the remainder of this market season.
The BCSA enables low-income community members to be partially subsidized to shop at our farmers’ market. The benefits are two-fold. Community members are able to buy quality produce that they might not otherwise be able to afford. And our local farmers are the recipients of the increased money being spent at the market. This year we have 19 subsidized members.
In 2005 a grant was obtained to initiate this program. Through generous community donations over the past four years, we have been able to keep the program going. But the donations haven’t been as abundant this year.
At the same time, we have had higher than usual usage this year, which has diminished our existing funds. We will not be able to continue offering subsidized memberships this year without some income. Fewer shoppers will, in turn, decrease the income for our local farmers and the vitality of our farmers’ market.
This is an opportunity to support local community members, local farmers and our local food economy. Donations payable to BCSA can be sent to Boonville Farmers’ Market/BCSA, POB 154, Boonville 95415. There will also be a donation can at the BCSA table at the entrance to the Boonville Farmers’ Market. Questions? Cindy 895-2949
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