The Whatcom County Food Bank Farm is a project co-run by Growing Washington and the Bellingham Food Bank (AKA Alternatives to Hunger). The project began in July 2007 and has since delivered over 10 tons of food to over 500 families as they’ve passed through county food banks each week. In 2008 alone, the farm produced and donated over 15,000 pounds of fresh vegetables (including over a ton of tomatoes!). With many dedicated volunteers on board, we expect the farm to stay alive for years to come and produce at least 10 tons of food annually for those in need.

The land, located between Bellingham and Lynden on the Guide Meridian, has been offered at a very low lease rate by the Cascade Christian Services, a non-profit Christian agency committed to the well-being and independence of the disabled population in Western Washington. The farm offers 3 acres of cultivable land and 2 large greenhouses. In addition to being the only farm in the county dedicated to growing the highest quality products specifically for those in need, the Food Bank Farm also serves as a unique location for both agricultural and food justice education, and provides a tangible way that those who want to give back to the community may participate and have an immediate and measureable impact. Though the farm is held together by the hard work of our Community Programs Director, Amaris Lunde, we could not attain our goals of production without volunteers generously giving their time. Many of our volunteers come from the Home Port Learning Center, a transitional education program for adjudicated and at-risk youth in Whatcom County, or are long-time supporters of the Small Potatoes Gleaning Project. However, any individual or group looking for opportunities to positively affect change in their community is more than welcome to join our team.

Volunteer opportunities exist for individuals or groups who wish to participate in this rewarding farm effort.  Although we are looking to fill time slots of 4 hours once a week, no one will be turned away – one-time or infrequent visits are welcome.  Tasks on the farm include composting, soil preparation, planting, weeding, harvesting and delivering the fruits of our labor to the food bank.  We welcome anyone to join us in this fun and satisfying effort to grow the freshest possible produce for those who often only get to eat the leftovers. 

If you are interested in volunteering at the Food Bank Farm, just send an to Amaris Lunde with your contact information and availability.

Directions to the Farm:
The farm is conveniently located between Bellingham and Lynden.  Take the Guide Meridian north from Bellingham for approximately 8 miles.  You will pass Axton Road and then 4 Mile Creek.  Drive past King Tut Road north to the Pole Rd round-about, then head south to take a right-hand turn onto King Tut Road.  Immediately on your left are a series of driveways.  You take the fourth driveway in, which is labeled St. Martin Place.  Follow the gravel driveway, looping to your left and park in the small parking lot next to the garage.

Want to learn more?
If you are interested in learning more about the Food Bank Farm please contact Matia Jones: or (360) 389-1655.
    
Read more about the Food Bank Farm:
Our August article in the Capital Press