Farms Forever 2024

We are so lucky to live in an area where we have access to so much delicious, locally-produced food. And sometimes, it's easy to take it for granted. This summer traveling with the kids, we had a chance to go to some different states where we found ourselves in the middle of farm country, but there just wasn't the same variety of small farmers and producers focusing on diversified and organic farming. For a few days, it felt like my vegetarian kiddo was subsisting on a diet of pickles and iceberg lettuce, and even my carnivores were craving a big salad. 

It's no accident that we have so many farmers and ranchers producing a bounty of fresh, locally grown food here in our area. Organizations like the Community Farm Land Trust are dedicated to supporting local farmers and preserving farmland forever, and are an important component of strong local food systems. But when it comes down to it, the only way that folks like me can keep doing what we do is if we're able to have a financially viable business selling the food we grow and raise. 

That's why I'm so appreciative of the Fresh From The Farm Guide that CFLT prints every year - both as a producer (because it's a way for consumers to learn how to find us and buy our products), and as a consumer (because I use it to find out who has local produce, berries, and meat I can buy for our family). 

This free guide is the most comprehensive (and really, the best) way to learn where to find local, affordable, fresh, and healthy foods through CSAs, farm stands, markets, food banks, as well as nutritional incentive and matching programs available in our four county region of Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, and Thurston Counties.

At the annual Farms Forever fundraiser this year, the community showed up to support CFLT and the work they do to produce the guide. We got all gussied up in our farmer fancy best - see highlights on our Instagram account. And if you didn't get a chance to attend, you can still support CFLT and their work by donating online.