Food Access Programs
““The first essential component of social justice is adequate food for all mankind. Food is the moral right of all who are born into this world.” ”
With a focus on food sovereignty and food waste, our Food Access program strives to increase equitable access to fresh, nourishing, local food that is grown with healthy agricultural practices. We believe income level, demographic, or geographic location should never be a barrier to being an active participant in one’s local and regional food system. We believe that everyone has a right to live in a healthy environment, and that connecting people to place through their food is a leverage point for care for the environment. Learn more about our work below:
We partner with farmers and growers to collect excess food that would otherwise go to waste. We distribute it to recipient organizations who work with food insecure families and individuals throughout our service region.
Farmers and backyard gardeners can dedicate a row to plant with produce for donation to our partner recipient organizations.
SNAP recipients can shop with EBT year-round at our marketplace and during the summer/fall at the Lancaster Farmers Market to receive 50% off fresh, local produce!
Please consider supporting our Food Access programs and services with a tax-deductible donation.
The Lancaster Community Garden provides access to green space for families and individuals to grow their own “backyard” garden and get to know other gardeners in the community. We also grow produce to donate to our recipient organizations.
A CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) program for lower income families who use SNAP benefits.
Volunteering with our Food Access Program
We are always looking for volunteers (individuals and groups) to help out with our Food Access programming, particularly gleaning, Plant-a-Row, and the Lancaster Community Garden. Click here to learn more about our current volunteering opportunities or fill out our volunteer interest form.
If you are looking to volunteer, you can also email Gracie at foodaccess@taprootnh.org or call (603) 788-4183 ext. 4.
“Food sovereignty is different from food security in both approach and politics. Food security does not distinguish where food comes from, or the conditions under which it is produced and distributed. National food security targets are often met by sourcing food produced under environmentally destructive and exploitative conditions, and supported by subsidies and policies that destroy local food producers but benefit agribusiness corporations. Food sovereignty emphasizes ecologically appropriate production, distribution and consumption, social-economic justice and local food systems as ways to tackle hunger and poverty and guarantee sustainable food security for all peoples.
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