A group of dedicated food advocates and farmers have just put together a new fund for Tennessee farmers who felt the effect of the recent flood, Field of Greens Fund. The fund will be a permanent fund handled by the new Community Food Advocates organization (Food Security Partners of Middle Tennessee and Manna have combined).
I thought I’d print part of the press release about the new fund and encourage everyone to do some shopping at either of the Whole Foods’ stores this coming Tues., June 29th when 5% of your bill will be donated to the new fund. It’s a great way to support your local farmer.
A Fund for Middle Tennessee’s Sustainable Farmers is the culmination of a grassroots response by local food advocates seeking a way to support farmers in the aftermath of the May 2010 flooding in Middle Tennessee. The Field of Greens Fund is supported by a coalition of food retailers, farmers, businesses, agencies and food advocates who have deep ties to Middle Tennessee’s sustainable and organic farmers.
Founding support for the fund will be provided by Whole Foods Market. On Tuesday, June 29th, Whole Foods Market’s Franklin and Green Hills locations are hosting a 5 percent day to benefit the fund. Representatives of Community Food Advocates Field of Greens Fund will be on hand at both locations to talk about the fund and hand out information.
In addition, Whole Foods Market locations throughout the southeast are selling a limited edition t-shirt designed with the slogan, “Bring the Music Back” to benefit the fund. T-shirts are available in stores in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
The Field of Greens Fund will be established as a permanent program of Community Food Advocates. The Fund will not be limited to flood or disaster relief/recovery, but is intended to be a permanent funding source for farmers’ needs to rebuild, expand and grow their sustainable farms. Initial Field of Greens Fund awards grants will, however, be focused primarily on farmers affected by the flood.
VISIT WHOLE FOODS MARKETS ON JUNE 29th
Please consider doing your grocery shopping at either the Franklin or Green Hills Whole Foods Market locations on Tuesday, June 29. The 5 percent of sales benefit will run throughout the entire day.
More details about the application process will be announced in the coming weeks.
DONATE DIRECTLY TO THE FUND
You can give to the fund by mailing checks payable to Community Food Advocates, 415 4th Ave. South, Unit B, Nashville, TN 37201. Please include “Field of Greens Fund” in the memo field. Call (615) 385-2286 for more information.
