Summer is upon us in the best of ways. The farm is ramping up for our next big harvest with pretty much the entire area planted out. Did you know that in May the Five Loaves Farm produced over 2,500 lbs. of veggies that were distributed to the poor of Santa Barbara? We are the only reliable source of high quality organic produce distributed freely to the needy of our community. This produce is used by groups feeding poor families, homeless men and women, hospice patients, and the elderly poor. In addition we have just completed three weeks of Creation Care Camps. More than 60 kids participated in the camps with numerous volunteers, helpers, and parents in tow. We also have three interns working and learning with us this summer. To learn more about any of these activities just click on the title of any of the following articles.
In addition I want to let you all know where we currently stand financially. About six weeks ago I was really discouraged about the future of Santa Barbara A Rocha. Emiko and I have stretched the budget this year to get us through about December, but after that there is no future funding promised to keep the farm going. After one particularly discouraging morning my eyes were opened to the reality of the unique niche that the A Rocha and the Five Loaves Farm play. As I mentioned in the first paragraph of this letter, the produce from the Five Loaves Farm is the only reliable source of quality produce available to the poor of our community. Later that same day and over the next couple of days four different organizations that work with the poor in our area thanked us for the food needs we are fulfilling with others requesting to be a part of the food distribution. It is awesome to know that we are filling a real need and the side benefits of it all are the relationships that are being built. It is about forming genuine, restorative community relationships that translate into appropriate care and action for the people who receive the food, those who distribute it to those in need, the leaders and volunteers of the conservation groups we work with, the families who come to our camp and school programs, the volunteers and interns who work along side us, and the land itself. Our hope is that we are a “cup of cool water” to all who are touched by our work.
But what does this have to do with finances? After December the farm will cease to operate without an increase in financial support. It costs us about $60,000 a year to operate the farm. Some of you are already monthly givers. Maybe you could encourage someone you know to join you in supporting the Five Loaves Farm. For the rest of you, won’t you consider joining us by giving what you can on a monthly basis? Click
here to be directed to the
ARUSA website where you can set up your donation and designate it for Santa Barbara A Rocha.
Despite the insecure nature of our financial future, we have a lot to be thankful for and a lot of work that we’re excited to do. We’ll keep you posted on upcoming developments and events. Don’t hesitate to drop us a line; we’d love to hear from you. Thank you for your support.
Paz,
Marty Robertson
Director, Santa Barbara A Rocha
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