Ways to Show Up for Local Food During COVID-19

Supporting Local farms
Written By Kitchen Table Advisors

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted our local and global ecosystem, and impacted our community of farmers & ranchers, families, chefs, and nonprofit partners, disproportionately affecting individuals that have historically faced oppression and injustice, including folks fighting for ecological responsibility, working class families, women farmers, queer farmers, and farmers of color. We are operating in a new, and challenging reality.

During this time, we are grateful for all our clients are doing to ensure our communities are still nourished, and for the wisdom of leaders in our community who have much to teach us around remaining resilient, collaborative and caring for ourselves and each other in the face of hardship.

We have long believed that we can only achieve our vision for a vibrant, community-based food system as a collective. We are grateful that amidst these trying times we can count you as part of that community. Wishing good health and joy to you and your loved ones.



Please note that we will continue to update this page regularly as we hear from our clients and come across resources from partners. If you have anything to add, feel free to email us or engage with us on social media through Facebook or Instagram.

Last Updated 7.17.2020, 8:00am



HOW TO SUPPORT KTA FARMERS AND RANCHERS

There are a number of ways to both support our farmers and ranchers, and strengthen our regional food system during this pandemic. Purchase CSA shares, visit farmers markets, purchase gift certificates, and order for home delivery or local pick-up, if offered. Additionally, receiving updates from farms is important to anticipating closures and changes in offerings. We encourage you to follow our farms and ranches on social media as well as sign up for their newsletters in order to stay in touch. If you have the opportunity to drop your farmer a note or chat with them in-person, ask how they’re doing and share what their contribution means to you, especially during these times.

*While farmers markets are considered “essential businesses” during the shelter-in-place order, we advise confirming a market’s open hours and location before visiting. KTA farmers and ranchers’ social media are good sources for this information.

San Mateo Coast / Peninsula / South Bay

East Bay

Santa Cruz / Watsonville / Salinas

Sonoma / Marin / Napa

Yolo / Solano 

San Francisco

Available Statewide 

HOW TO SUPPORT RESTAURANTS, FOOD HUBS, AND OTHER COMMUNITY FOOD OUTLETS

Equally vital to our regional food system are the restaurants, food hubs, and other local outlets that deliver and prepare what we eat. Even with limited operations or closures, there are still actions we can take to ensure they remain in our communities once this pandemic subsides. 

HOW TO CARE FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR COMMUNITY 

This pandemic takes an emotional, mental, social and economic toll on each of us, but none more than those in vulnerable communities. Starting with maintaining our own self-resilience allows us to show up in allyship with others who are even more deeply affected.

HOW TO SUPPORT NONPROFITS

Many nonprofits are rushing to respond to the needs of their communities while struggling with the pandemic’s impact on their own operations. Flexible and essential funding, suspended reporting requirements, and supportive outreach are just a few of the crucial elements necessary to sustain our nonprofits. 

Kitchen Table Advisors
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