Food Access & Food Security

Objective #1: Increase local food production and ensure food access and food security for our region.

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.”

— James Beard

Food Security: the state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

Since our inception, community food security has been at the heart of our mission. This mission was put to the test during the 2021 Dixie Fire when overnight our farm transitioned into an emergency relief distribution center. We were able to donate more than 5,000 lbs of produce to local food banks, shelters, meal preparation centers, and individuals/families directly impacted by the fire.

Food Access: the economic, physical, and social factors that influence an individual or household’s ability to get nutritious food

We are committed to providing nutrient rich, local produce for ALL. We serve our region through a weekly farm stand (we accept EBT/Cal Fresh) and our honor system farm fridge, open 7 days a week. We offer subsidized produce to underserved populations, along with free healthy cooking classes and nutritional education. We donate free produce to food banks and crisis centers in our county.

Learn about our Affordable Produce Program

2024-25 Grizzly Corps Fellow Marielle Fehrenbacher gleans fruit from local fruit tree.

LSFP Gleaning Program

In 2024, we launched our new gleaning program! The program, started by 2023-24 Grizzly Corps Fellow Daniel Perry, collects leftover crops from Rugged Roots farm and excess fruit from local trees generously offered to us by Plumas County residents and businesses.

In 2024 we donated 270 lbs of free fruits and vegetables from gleaning alone to local food banks, crisis centers and schools.

Learn more about Gleaning

How to Buy Farm Fresh Produce

There are two ways to buy direct from LSFP’s Rugged Roots Farm—the Tuesday Evening Farm Stand and the self-serve Honor System Fridge open 7-days a week. Veggies, fruit, flowers, and herbs are available June through October at the farm.

Ways to Pay

We gladly accept cash, local check, Venmo, EBT and Farm Bucks!

Qualify for EBT/CalFresh? Great news! You can use your benefits at the Tuesday Evening Farm Stand and double your money through funding from 20,000 Lives (a Plumas County Public Health initiative). We are dedicated to making local food accessible so please take advantage and use CalFresh when you shop with us.

What are Farm Bucks? Farm Bucks are an upfront payment that gives you credit at the farm for all produce, flowers, and events. Available in amounts from $100 to $500 this early season payment helps cover costs as we start growing and before farm income is rolling in.

Monthly Giving supports culture and agriculture in Plumas County

Monthly Giving is an easy and valuable way to contribute to LSFP’s programs. It’s tremendously helpful to have a group of donors who provide reliable, unrestricted income that allows us to plan for the future.

Thank you for your support!