May 28th, 2021
.:: School Meals for All ::.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revision of his state budget proposal to the Legislature unveiled on May 14th is a strong step toward making school meals a vital part of our children’s education, according to a coalition of more than 180 organizations (including FEED Sonoma!) urging lawmakers to adopt free school meals for all California students.
If adopted into the state’s final budget in June, this proposed investment would help to ensure more students have access to school meals during a period of increased economic insecurity for California families. The budget would provide an additional $150 million to encourage local educational agencies to participate in one of the federal universal meal provisions, helping serve free school meals in more of California’s public schools.
Read more in the Press Release here: https://schoolmealsforall.org/may-budget-revision
.:: We're Hiring! ::.
FEED Cooperative is seeking to hire a part-time driver and a part time warehouse associate each for 15-20 hours per week. Both ideal candidates are vibrant, passionate, disciplined self-starters who can help us fulfill our mission to help create a sustainable food system in Sonoma County.
• For the driver; Delivery days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday & Saturday from 4 am to noon-1 pm depending on the length of the route. We pick up and deliver in the Bay Area to wholesale and retail customer and are looking for a driver who knows the region and feels comfortable driving 14-16' box trucks.
• For the warehouse associate; Monday & Thursday from 4pm until 10 or midnight depending on the number of orders.
Skills/Qualifications:
• Be able to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. frequently
• Be able to perform all job functions safely
• (Driver) Must have a clean DMV record
• (Driver) Familiarity with Bay Area roads a plus
• Knowledge of local produce also a plus
• We are also willing to train the right individuals who are passionate about our mission.
Please send us a brief cover letter with resume. For the driving position, a DMV printout will be required if called in for an interview.
From Our Producers :: Field Notes
Highlights from our farm tour with the Oliver's Market produce department on Wednesday. This was a bit of a trial run, getting one of our most dedicated wholesaler purchases out for a field day with our farmers. We only visited two farms this week, but plan to make this an annual occasion, ensuring that those selling food on behalf of our farmers have insight into their operations and know the faces behind the names. Such an invaluable step in bolstering our local food chain and supply networks. More to come!
.:: Longer Table Farm ::.
We toured the Longer Table Farm property (formerly Blue Leg Farms) with Farmer Will and the crew including a sneak peek at next weeks’ little gem lettuce succession. Under the shade of a beautiful grandmother Oak, Will shared about their experience navigating the drought so far this year and the importance of crop rotation.
.:: Bernier Farms ::.
Paul and Yael Bernier showed us around their farm exploring the ins and outs of soil management. This is so incredibly important as we navigate the drought. Flanked by asparagus and a Zin vineyard, Papa Paul Bernier showed us a magnificent sight...moisture! 1” under his top soil, thanks to dedicated cover crop use and management of decaying matter following the mowing/tilling process. Also pictured, Yael sharing about the growing and curing process for their incredible garlic operation.
Thanks to all for an awesome field day. The stoke is high for us and the Oliver’s produce team alike. Sun hats off to our rockstar farmers for taking time out of their day to share their sage experience and reflections on FEEDing the community.