8.31.22

Around The Farm

UW Farm's Growing Relationship with the UW Food Pantry

The UW Farm has had a long relationship with food banks near campus. Before the UW Food Pantry was established, students donated farm produce to the nearby UDistrict Food Bank.  

Students also organized pop-up food distribution events on campus that featured farm produce.

During 2020, a formal partnership with the new campus food pantry was established with the signing of the first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) .The MOU  spells out the farm's and the pantry's commitment to rescuing vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit that are not snapped up, or do not meet the standards or quantities needed for the CSA, UW Dining, and Athletics. All produce fit for consumption is then re-packaged and distributed to those in need. Produce not fit for consumption is fed to our red wigglers in our new Vermicomposting Facility or sent to Cedar Grove to be made into compost.

The MOU also means that the UW Farm guarantees at least $5,000 worth (wholesale value) to the pantry annually. The farm team also keeps detailed records, supplies educational information, training in food safety, and hosts interns and an AmeriCorps volunteer to help out.

We thought of inviting one of the UW Food Pantry Staff to write to readers about their efforts.

Donating to the UW Food Pantry

By Felicidad Smith, Food Drive Coordinator, UW Food Pantry

Since its creation in 2018, the UW Food Pantry helps hundreds of students experiencing food insecurity meet their nutritional needs so they can thrive in college.

With the 2022-2023 school year quickly approaching and the rising costs of rent, tuition, and groceries, the UW Food Pantry is a free resource on campus that helps UW community members put food on the table. The need for food assistance on campus is astonishingly high, as the pantry sees hundreds of visitors every week.
 
In order for the UW Food Pantry to continue to meet the need for food assistance on campus, we need your help. Until mid November 2022, the UW Food Pantry is partnering with the UW Farm to collect shelf stable, non-perishable food items.

A food drive donation bin is placed in the same location where CSA boxes are picked up. When picking up your CSA Box on Wednesdays, consider dropping off a donation to help a hungry husky! The UW Food Pantry is currently in need of pasta, peanut butter, boxed cereal, and canned goods. Your donations are greatly appreciated!
 
If you have any questions, please contact the UW Food Pantry’s Food Drive Coordinator at givefood@uw.edu.

This Week's Recipe:

Easy Garlic Green Beans

From SpruceEats

• Up to 1 pound fresh green beans
• 1 to 2 tablespoons butter, or olive oil
• 2 to 4 small cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

Steps to Make It

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Trim or snap off the ends from the green beans, removing any stringy fibers which can run the length of the bean (not all beans will have this fiber). If the beans are excessively long, they can be cut or broken in half for easier eating.
3. Wash and drain the beans.
4. Boil or steam the beans just until crisp-tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Optional: Drain and submerge the beans in an ice water bath for a minute or two. Drain again.
6. Melt the butter or heat the olive oil in a sauté pan or skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and sauté just for 1 minute until fragrant; do not burn.
7. Add the green beans to the pan and season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss gently and cook just until the beans are heated through.
8. Sprinkle parsley over the top, if using, as a garnish. Serve immediately.

Find the full recipe and variations here.

News and Noteworthy:

Nurturing Roots Herbs and Spice Workshop

When: September 15, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center
Hosted By: Nurturing Roots x Oxbow Farm

In this 1 hour workshop, attendees will:

1. Be introduced to a variety of herbs & spices
2. Learn about growing styles, maintenance, and uses in cuisine
3. Share your experiences with herbs in cooking and/or growing
4. Produce a label for either a dry seasoning blend or vinegar to take home

Nurturing Roots is an organization focused on educating youth & community members on health and food consciousness. Promoting awareness about social justice issues that plague our communities and providing resources to support a healthier environment. Nurturing Roots is committed to healing our community members & environments for our youth and families to live and thrive, incorporating organic techniques and culture sharing.

Learn more about this event and register here.

Farmland Access Workshop Series

When: Multiple Dates throughout September
Where:  Zoom
Hosted By: WSU Skagit County Extension

Are you a farmer seeking long-term land tenure? Do you have questions about water rights or assessing a potential new property? Do you want to learn about financing options and creative land tenure models? Join Viva Farms and American Farmland Trust for a series of workshops in September exploring farmland access strategies and considerations.

We recognize that farmers face incredible barriers to accessing land, and we believe farmers should not face these burdens alone. Through these workshops, we’ll convene people and organizations committed to helping farmers find and assess land, finance land, design appropriate lease and purchase models, and more.

You’ll hear from Washington Farmland Trust and Washington Water Trust, along with financial and legal specialists, and other farmers and experts who will share about their programs and experience. Workshops are free and open to the public and will be offered in English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation. Registration is requested.

Find out more and sign up for this event here.
 

Agriculture and Food Systems Employment Opportunities:

• Seasonal Farm Program Assistant, Pike Place Market 
• Red Dog Farms – Field Crew
• Oxbow Farm – Multiple
• WSDA Organic Programs – Inspectors
• 21 Acres – Multiple
• Tonnemaker – Field and Farm Stand Crew
• Carnation Farms – Director of Sustainable Agriculture
• Common Ground Farms – Assistant Camp Director
• Kirsop Farm – Veggie Crew
• Pacific Coast Harvest – Food Aggregator and Driver
• Seattle Neighborhoods Farmers Market – Farmers Market Manager

Food Access Resources

The UW Farm donates regularly to the UW Food Pantry. During peak season we also donate to nearby food banks. The links below are resources to help you or someone you know with food access.  

• UW Food Pantry: The UW Food Pantry | Any Hungry Husky (washington.edu)
• Northwest Harvest Food Donation sites: Public Drop Sites – Northwest Harvest
• University District Food Bank: Donate Food and Items – University District Food Bank (udistrictfoodbank.org)
• Food Lifeline: Volunteer – Food Lifeline

Help The Farm Grow!

Every year, we have the capacity to grow more food and increase our educational and research program at the UW, but not without your support. Every contribution goes to work immediately, helping us better serve students. Your support can sustain our momentum and help seed new opportunities for student internships, academic work, and future growth. Please consider making a gift to the Farm online

Copyright © 2022 The UW Farm, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
The UW Farm
3501 NE 41st St, 
Seattle, WA 98105

On campus mailbox
Box 354115

NEW email address:
uwfarm@uw.edu