Working Through the Smoke
Photo by @sustainablissity (IG)
Fires and smoke in our state have impacted farmers and food workers, including small owner-operated farms, low wage earners, and those who may not have the option to stop work or halt the harvest. Whether they are contending with scorched land, depleted sales, or the negative health effects of working outside in polluted air, the people that grow our food need support.
To that end, our markets have remained open this week, with additional PPE provided to staff, because our farmers are still farming and people still need to eat. Sadly, this won’t be the last impossible choice we have to make because of climate change. Our guidance is based on health department and EPA recommendations. You can always assume the markets are open for businesses during their normal hours unless we specifically broadcast otherwise on our social media platforms. For the most up to date information about the status of your local market, follow our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook pages. If a market closes and you were unable to pick up an online order, we will contact you and reimburse the charge.
Many of you have reached out asking how you can support farmers, and we are so grateful to our incredible and conscientious community. We will keep everyone posted here with new and more opportunities, but find some great ways to support your local farmers below.
[Last Updated 9/15/2020]
The Good Farmer Fund is our emergency relief bucket that was created to help farmers in situations like these. 100% of your donations go toward keeping a local farmer afloat. Learn more and donate what you can.
This resource was shared by one of our beloved market farms, Rama Farms, who lost their 26 acre Certified Organic orchard in the Pearl Hill Fire last week. The Community Foundation of North Central Washington supports both farmers and neighbors in their area. Contribute to the NCW Fire Relief Fund.
Where farm owners are impacted, so are their workers, considered essential here in Washington State. The Wenatchee for Immigrant Justice campaign is raising funds for essential workers who are running out of options. Contribute what you can to their GoFundMe, and please include “fire relief” in the donation memo.
Even farmers who have not directly experienced fire damage have suffered losses from extreme smoke conditions in the PNW. If you don't feel comfortable or able to shop outdoors, our online markets offer a great option to shop from home, pay in one transaction, and quickly pick-up at market, wait-free. Vendors have relied on the online option in the wake of COVID-19, and even more so here in fire season. Learn more about shopping online.