We are thrilled to share the exciting progress we’ve made eight weeks into the 2024 farm stand season. Our focus on food justice, primarily centered around youth, has sparked increased interest, with more young people from the community volunteering on Saturday mornings. This enthusiasm has not only boosted our volunteer numbers but has also led to a significant increase in customers.

Recent building updates at the Growth Center have led to a new line set-up, enhancing accessibility and convenience. We’ve added an accessibility ramp at the front of the building, changing the line layout to start along the fence. This new arrangement provides a smoother and more organized experience for everyone. Additionally, we’ve introduced a tabling section for various organizations across from our produce distribution area, offering valuable resources and information to our community.

Our produce selection is more varied than ever, featuring cherries, strawberries, raspberries, apples, cabbage, beets, onions, snap peas, and daikon. We also offer an abundance of greens such as chard, collards, lettuce, mustard greens, amaranth, kale, and lambs quarter. To make these greens even more accessible, we’ve launched a Free Greens Friday program. Every Friday from 12 pm to 4 pm, community members can visit the food hub to pick up free greens, providing a convenient option for those who cannot make it to the Saturday farm stand.

We’re also excited to announce a significant design update to our merchandise. Our new logo, reflecting our growth and new beginnings, replaces the original logo created in 2018. Thank you to everyone who has supported us this season. We look forward to continuing this journey with you and making a positive impact in our community.

This year, our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program has seen tremendous growth and exciting changes. Starting with 24 deliveries, we’ve more than tripled the numbers from last year’s first delivery day , and we expect this growth to continue as we progress through the season.

One of our major updates is the team’s feature on the Circuit app, which helps our delivery crew navigate efficiently, allowing multiple drivers to deliver at the same time ensuring timely and accurate deliveries. Additionally, we’ve expanded our box types from just one size last year to four different types and sizes: Biggie, Smallie, Fruit box only, and Occasional Specialty boxes. This variety allows us to better cater to our patrons’ needs and preferences.

Our deliveries primarily cover Seattle, with some extending into Tukwila, allowing us to reach a wider community. Each box is packed with the freshest produce, which can vary from week to week to ensure a delightful mix of seasonal goodies. Every box also includes a flier with useful information and updates.

The CSA crew meets every Thursday to prepare the boxes, ensuring everything is ready for the Friday deliveries, which start at 8 AM. If you’re interested in joining our CSA program, signing up is easy. Visit the RBAC website, scroll down to “What’s New,” click on “CSA” to read more about the program, and then click “Sign Up.” Our CSA program runs from July 12th to October 25th, 2024. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy farm-fresh produce delivered right to your door!

– Derartu, Abby, & Kidest

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