It’s Farm Bag time again, and the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs in Oliver are once again involved in this great initiative and fundraiser to support youth programming in the South Okanagan.
The idea is simple – an innovative program providing a way to buy local fruits and vegetables over the winter months, while directly supporting their local community.
Customers pay in advance to collect a bag of fresh produce from a designated location once a month. The sale of each bag nets a profit for the fundraising body. Farmers who supply to the program benefit from advance and flexible sales in addition to receiving a higher than average return for their produce. The five-month season, which runs from October to February, means that the program is able to source locally grown, long-storing produce with preference given to organic suppliers
Farm Bags contain seven to 10 different kinds of fruit and veggies. Each bag weighs approximately 20 pounds and is worth about $36 in the store. Each month, a newsletter is included with your Farm Bag that explains what is in your bag, recipes for using the produce and other useful information.
Over the season you can expect to receive carrots, potatoes, apples, plums, leeks, garlic, squash, beets, pears, parsnips and other delicious goodies.
The Farm Bag fundraiser begins in October and runs through February each year. Clients wishing to participate must order the full five-month season; no sign-ups accepted after September. The total cost is $154.50, and payment is only accepted through the secure payment site Paypal. Payment by cheque or cash is no longer accepted due to administrative costs.
The Oliver Okanagan Boys and Girls Club acts as a distribution centre. Farm Bags are purchased in advance, by visiting this website: http://localmotive.ca/
1. Choose “Oliver Boys and Girls Club”
2. Farm Bag delivery days occur once a month on Thursday. You will receive a reminder before each pickup day. Visit Oliver Boys and Girls Club at 475 School Avenue to collect your produce.
Currently the Farm Bag fundraiser model is offered in South and Central Okanagan regions. Since launch, over $20,000 has been raised for community groups and schools, and over 70,000 pounds of produce bought from local farmers are delivered to family tables of over 800 customers.
Please sign up before the end of September. The first Farm Bag delivery to Oliver is Thursday, October 16. Pickup time is between 1-4:30 pm.
