Petaluma Bounty – The Why and The How of Building A Sustainable, Organic Food Community
Having been personally involved and supportive of Petaluma Bounty and its programs for more than a decade, the first question is WHY serve as a Petaluma Bounty Volunteer or Advisory Board Member, and HOW do the Mission and Programs provide benefit to our community?
At its inception, Petaluma Bounty was envisioned as a Community Farm and multi-organizational outreach initiative to grow and provide organic produce and educate our fellow community members about the importance of growing local, organic food, particularly for those families and persons experiencing food shortages, food insecurities, or lack of access to fresh organic produce. This Mission continues to remain relevant, and yet there are some exciting developments which create opportunities to expand our understanding of our local and regional food system.
Through partnerships with local non-profit and health provider organizations, many weekly “Organic Produce Boxes” of fresh food were, and still are distributed at reduced prices to families in need, or are donated-sponsored through individuals and businesses via “Sponsor A Box,” and “Bounty Hunter” Gleaners’ initiatives. These programs still require ongoing support to serve our community.
Partnering with Health Care organizations such as Petaluma Health Clinic, St. Joseph’s Health, and Kaiser Permanente has allowed Petaluma Bounty to generate benchmark biometric health markers of engaged participants and families, and document noted improvement in health markers after education and practical application.
“Food is not just fuel… Food is about family, food is about community, food is about identity. And we nourish all those things when we eat well…The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway.” Michael Pollan, Best-selling author of more than 12 books related to Food Culture and Food Systems Education.
However, the conversation of Petaluma Bounty has evolved and expanded considerably to include more educational awareness about our local-regional food system, and what is required to create deeper understanding and improved resilience within our food culture. How we, as a community engage in learning and dialogue about food insecurity, food justice, and food biases, shape the way we care for current and future generations.
Food Banks and emergency Food Pantries absolutely serve a purpose for families and individuals in immediate need. Petaluma Bounty provided much needed coordination of food donations during recent challenges in Sonoma County, such as the wildfires. In addition to joining local organizations for emergency food distribution, Petaluma Bounty educates and provides tools for learning how to grow organic produce for greater self-reliance and health benefits, and offers easier access to organic produce at reduced costs. Awareness. Education. Access. Affordability. Engagement. Community.
Through the work of dedicated staff and community support, Petaluma Bounty has become a pilot program for matching grant funds through several regional and statewide initiatives. One of these successful programs is through Farmer’s Markets in Sonoma and Marin Counties, and is involved in shaping statewide policies regarding food access and affordability. This program is called “Farmer’s Market Life,” whose mission is “To improve the health of our community and enhance the financial viability of farmers by expanding access to affordable, locally grown food for CalFresh users.”
Why get involved in as a volunteer or Advisory Board Member?
If you care about the health of our community and its residents – get involved – as this is the only local community program that is actively leading in dialogues about these issues surrounding healthy, organically grown food within the larger context of sustainable food systems. Food Availability & Access, Food Insecurity; Affordability of Organic Produce; and Education to empower families and individuals to live more healthfully through organic locally grown produce. Numerous agencies have
Having been a chef and owner of a large catering and retail food establishment in New York City, I love and respect organic, whole food, and I know that feeding people well is paramount to nourishing both body and soul. Even more important, is teaching people to grow their own organic food, as an important life skill that betters individuals, families, and therefore all of us.
Come out and volunteer, learn gardening skills of self-reliance, and help expand YOUR only Community Educational Farm!
Come GROW with us!
Warmest regards, in community,
Jessica Vann Gardner
Petaluma Advisory Board Member