In the face of intertwined and amplified crises for our health, our economy, and continued racial injustice, we know how important GRuB’s work is to build community and help people gain skills and resources to grow and get healthy food.  

We also recognize that for people to have food security and sovereignty, they also rely on secure housing and health care, clean air and water, fair wages, the right to vote, and equitable treatment by police, government, schools, and more. We lift up the efforts of peer organizations and individual leaders in our community to change policies and systems in these interconnected areas.   

It is in this context that we consider how GRuB mobilizes our resources to support people who face some of the biggest disparities and elevated vulnerability in this time, in particular BIPOC, the houseless population in our community, and essential workers. We share with you here the current opportunities and happenings at GRuB and invite you to partner with us to share these resources with people who could benefit the most during this time.     

Youth Programs and our Farm

• A team of nearly 20 young adults are managing the farm this summer as part of our youth programming. We love their leadership and energy, and they are on track to grow nearly 15,000 pounds of produce this year! 
• Food from the farm is distributed to our CSA customers and the core team working on the farm. Every week, we donate the remainder to community based organizations, such as Olympia Food Not Bombs and the Thurston County Food Bank. If you know of additional organizations with need for fresh produce, please contact soloman@goodgrub.org.     
• Later this summer, we’ll start a modified market stand with pre-order and pick-up. Good news! We can double-up the value of any EBT purchases.To get more information on how to access this program, please contact soloman@goodgrub.org. ‍

Community Food Solutions 

• As of mid-July, we’ve installed nearly 75 backyard or community-based gardens and will double that number this year! Please share the opportunity to apply for a garden with those most impacted by COVID-19 or racial violence, either individual families or partner organizations.       
• A small corps of veterans at the Victory Farm in Lacey is growing food for distribution through the Thurston County Food Bank, Food is Free Olympia, and other community partners. Donate produce from your own own backyard garden to one of our partners.  
  

Wild Foods & Medicines 

• With partners, we’re distributing 150 Wild Berry Toolkits to people at Muckleshoot, Squaxin, Nisqually, Swinomish, and the Na’ah Illahee Foundation.
• Together with the Canoe Journey Herbalists, we assembled 86 herbal medicine bundles to distribute to Yakama families impacted by COVID-19. 
• Did you miss one of our Wild Foods & Medicines workshops this spring? Recordings available here, with more workshops later this year. Note, although there is a suggested payment, you may opt to download for free.
  

Engaged Leaders 

• Wow! So many friends of GRuB are active in their own creative responses for food access and sharing. Look for stories and opportunities to support their work in our upcoming blogs, social media posts, and summer newsletter, coming soon!  
• We’re gradually incorporating volunteers back onto the farm in some limited, COVID-19 adapted roles.Read about available opportunities here.  
• Our annual fundraiser Harvest Soiree will be Homegrown this year. Save the date for an online event on Saturday, September 12th. To volunteer with event planning or promotion, contact soiree@goodgrub.org.  

Stay well, 

All of Us at GRuB