Petaluma Bounty began as a grassroots response to a 2004 community needs assessment, which revealed that many seniors, low-income families with young children, and individuals across Petaluma were struggling to access healthy, affordable food. This growing need led to the creation of the Bounty Community Farm in 2008, and in 2012, Petaluma Bounty became a program of Petaluma People Services Center (PPSC), a nonprofit dedicated to improving the social and economic well-being of our community. We are grateful for PPSC for its backbone support for more than a decade.

We navigate October with a mix of emotions.

For financial reasons, PPSC has decided to discontinue Petaluma Bounty as a PPSC program at the end of this month.

In the past two weeks, we cut short our farm production, harvested all produce, wrapped up our farm stand and CSA programs, and donated the remaining harvest — hundreds of pounds in all. We are continuing — and cherishing — our regular volunteer hours on the farm. Help us by signing up on our Calendly. There’s still a lot to do!

And we are very much looking forward to our our Harvest Party scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be a potluck, so please be prepared to share food, drinks, and stories.

What’s next?

PPSC’s decision to discontinue Petaluma Bounty is purely financial, PPSC Interim Executive Director Megan Kelly told The Press Democrat. “Petaluma Bounty has struggled financially,” and “PPSC can no longer absorb those ongoing losses,” she said. Funding reductions tied to changes under the current (presidential) administration has directly impacted PPSC, contributing to the decision to discontinue Petaluma Bounty, she said.

What happens after Oct. 31, 2025 is still fluid.

What is for certain is that PPSC will no longer operate or manage Petaluma Bounty, and Bounty staff will be laid off from PPSC. Director Suzi is making a herculean effort to carry forward some of the Bounty programs under an emergency fiscal sponsor model. The Unity Garden will continue to be stewarded by the Master Gardeners of Sonoma County for the time being.

But what about the farm?

Behind the scenes and in her own time, Director Suzi is working to find a path that allows the community to pursue a transition rather than a closure — out of love for the farm, the community, and our team.

There’s still a lot of uncertainty, but we hope to be able to share more information soon. In the meantime, mark your calendars for our Harvest Party. Please bring food and drinks to share, plus plates, cups, and utensils to use.