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What is the Program?

Local Mason County farmers accepted into the program will be contracted to grow produce for Shelton food pantries. Farmers must invoice Mason CD to be compensated for produce. Farmers who apply and are accepted into the program will be granted 25% of the total award up front for seed and amendment purchases, receipts and invoices must be provided. Upfront costs will be prorated to reflect produce invoicing. Program participants will then provide documentation of produce delivery and invoices to Mason CD for payment. ​

Click Here to Apply

Complete the application by September 5th, 2024.
​Awards will be announced by September 15th pending on-site review.
This is a competitive grant program and participating farms will be chosen based on quantity, quality, pricing, relevant experience, and ability to reach program deliverables. 
​District staff will work with local farmers to coordinate deliveries to eligible food banks and food pantries. ​

Requirements 

All produce must be grown in Mason County. 
A pre-award on site review is required to confirm food safety standards and local production. 
To qualify for funds from the Mason Conservation District, farms need to meet eligibility criteria and should not have received notices of disqualification. ​

What are Culturally Relevant Foods?

Culturally relevant foods encompass crops connected to the culinary traditions of specific communities. These foods reflect the historical and agricultural heritage of a group, including staples like maize, corn leaves, chilies, beans, quinoa, yucca, huckleberries, and camas. Today, conventionally available produce like tomatoes is quickly replacing that of historic significance. Growing and consuming these crops not only sustains cultural identity but also contributes to the rich tapestry of diverse culinary practices. Foods of cultural significance can provide nutritional and mental health benefits for associated communities. Local production of these foods can benefit farms through new revenue streams and help promote a vibrant local agronomic economy. ​

How does this help farmers?

This program supports farmers by creating market opportunities, minimizing food waste, and establishing reliable income channels, contributing to the overall economic viability of local agricultural communities. ​

Pricing

Prices, provided on the sheet below, are based on wholesale costs compiled by similar programs in the South Puget Sound region that originate from WSDA programming. These prices reflect a baseline guide for producers and may be supplemented or subject to change based on application responses. In your application, please identify the estimated costs for the produce you intend to contractually grow. Awards and selection will be based on lowest per uniting bidder and or closest to the baseline provided in the price sheet.  ​
2024 Price List
File Size: 285 kb
File Type: pdf
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farm_to_food_pantry_faq.pdf
File Size: 95 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Mason Conservation District
450 W Business Park RD
Shelton, WA 98584
Phone: (360) 427-9436
Fax: (360) 427-4396

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Mason Conservation District (MCD) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex in administration of its programs or activities, and MCD does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose action prohibited, by 40 C.F.R Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights. Contact Rhonda Nydegger, Finance & Administration Manager, for more information. Email: [email protected]  Mail: Mason Conservation District, 450 W Business Park RD, Shelton WA 98584.