PORT TOWNSEND — The Food Co-op will begin fundraising today for a donation to the school district’s local lunch program.
The co-op has been challenged by one of its members to raise matching funds of $10,000 for program to total a $20,000 donation, said Andrea Stafford, marketing manager for the co-op at 414Kerney St.
Fundraising will continue throughout the summer. Patrons can donate any dollar amount to the program, Stafford said.
Donors can write their names on paper cutouts in the form of vegetables. Those will be used in creating a “healthy rainbow” in the store behind the member services desk. Customers and community members can watch the fundraising progress via the “carrot meter” on our website at http://foodcoop.coop/, she said.
“We use locally sourced food in the school district because it is healthier for our kids and strengthens our local economy by supporting farmers and their staff,” said Stacey Larson, food services director for the Port Townsend School District.
“Eating local helps kids develop a sense of community and pride in where they live and where their food comes from — plus food coming from a short distance retains more nutrients,” she added.
“The funds raised will help us provide more local food for our students and purchase new kitchen equipment to ensure that our cooks have the tools they need to create nutritious meals made from scratch.”
Funds will be released to the district in the fall to help pay for locally sourced food, upgraded kitchen equipment and cooking education for youth.
“The Food Co-op has long been an active supporter of giving school kids access to healthy food,” said Kenna Eaton, general manager of the co-op.
