The mission of the Vashon Maury Community Food Bank is to provide nutritious food to island residents whose resources do not stretch far enough to cover their basic needs. Serving one out of every nine islanders, we are so fortunate to be part of a generous community, with many businesses, organizations and individuals who have incorporated that mission into their own lives.

As summer moves rapidly into fall, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the community for donations of fresh fruit and vegetables, often organically grown, which go straight to our customers every week. From June through September this year we have received more than 7,850 pounds of donated produce from local farms, farmers and gardeners. This bounty comes from Zero Waste Vashon, East West Produce, Matsuda Farm, Monument Farm, Pacific Crest Farm and Chautauqua Elementary School, as well as from many individuals who donate from their gardens.

Also, from Pacific Potager, Pacific Crest Farm and Shoulder to Shoulder Farm, we have received donations of vegetable starts. Some were given directly to customers to plant, and others supplied the food bank’s own garden. Working in partnership with wonderful master gardeners, our garden has produced over 950 pounds of beautiful organic produce. Our Harvest for Vashon collaboration with the Food Access Partnership has brought in produce through its grow-a-row and gleaning programs.

Many, many thanks to our community for sharing this amazing bounty.

— Robbie Rohr