The Food Access Fund-What is it?

The Food Access Fund is a part of the Center for an Agricultural Economy’s great Food Access and Security Program.

The Fund was established in December 2008 by the CAE to support the Hardwick Area Food Pantry and its clients to gain better access to locally grown and produced as well as provide support to our other food access and security programs. It does this by reimbursing the Pantry, dollar for dollar, for products purchased from local food producers and businesses. Items the Pantry has purchased as a result of this Fund have included fresh bread, eggs, meat and vegetables.

By supporting a relationship between the Pantry and local producers, the CAE hopes to encourage and facilitate the availability of healthy, local food to people in need throughout the year. At the same time, the Pantry is supporting a local economy by putting money back into the pockets of our local producers.

We were fortunate to receive an anonymous donation to seed the Fund with $3,500.00 in 2008. Since that initial donation, the CAE continues to work towards replenishing the fund so that it continues to be an active support for our Food Access/Food Security Program.

Many individuals and organizations in the greater Hardwick community have generously donated to the Hardwick Area Food Pantry and other community service organizations over the years. It is our experience that this program has been another on-going inspiration to others to continue and expand their generosity on a year around basis.

To make a donation to the Food Access Fund, you may contact us directly or via our website donation page. All donations are tax deductible. For questions, please contact Elena Gustavson, elena@hardwickagriculture.org or call 802.472.5840, ext 2. 

Updated December 2, 2011