Community News

Farm 2 Table effort grows bigger, better

MARIETTA - An effort by a group of local community leaders in 2020 has grown into a shared vision for how Washington County better connects local agriculture with the needs of families.

For the past six years, community leaders purchased livestock and provided fresh meat to food pantries throughout the county, resulting in about 30,000 pounds donated and creating a source of protein for families that need it most.

The Marietta Community Foundation two years ago began a similar effort through its Farm 2 Table program at the Washington County Fair, purchasing fair animals and donating the processed meat to food pantries.

As both programs grew, it became clear that they shared more than a common goal. Together, they could build something bigger and more sustainable than either could create on its own.

That realization has brought the community leaders and Marietta Community Foundation together to create a coordinated year-round Farm 2 Table program building upon the work already happening while creating new opportunities for the community to participate.

"One of my favorite things about the Foundation is being a connector, bringing people together, recognizing the good work that is already happening in our community, and finding ways to help that work go even further," Heather Allender, president & CEO of the foundation, said. "There has been incredible work happening since 2020 and we're proud to be joining that effort."

The new initiative will begin at this year's fair season in Washington County.

For the first time, individuals purchasing livestock will have the option to designate their animal to Farm 2 Table. Buyers who choose the Farm 2 Table option can purchase a cow or pig, which will then be processed and distributed to food pantries in Washington County.

The opportunity creates a full-circle investment in the community.

A young person spends months raising an animal, gaining experience and building a connection to agriculture and the buyer then invests in the young farmer at the fair. Through Farm 2 Table, the investment becomes nutritious food for a family in need.

"It brings together so many things that make our community special," Allender said. "We are investing in our young people, supporting local agriculture, and then carrying that investment forward to help families in our community. Everyone has a place in that story."

While the fair provides a new way for the community to participate, the vision for Farm 2 Table extends beyond the fairgrounds.

Food pantries across Washington County serve more than 1,000 families each month and fresh meat remains among the most difficult sources of protein to consistently provide. To help meet the year-round need, the community leaders and the foundation are launching an ongoing fundraising effort to support livestock purchases, processing costs and other program expenses.

Farmers can directly donate livestock while individuals, businesses and organizations can financially contribute toward the costs of purchasing and processing animals. By creating multiple ways for the community to participate, Farm 2 Table can grow from an annual fair initiative into a year-round effort to provide fresh, locally sourced protein to families in need.

For more information about Farm 2 Table or to make a contribution, call (740) 373-3286.