What grows when we work together

As we wrap up our July program highlight series, I want to thank you for coming along as we spotlighted some of the powerful, behind-the-scenes work that helps grow resilient food communities.

You heard how our Partner Shares and Community Partnerships programs make it possible for families to enjoy vibrant, farm-fresh produce — sometimes for the very first time. From flexible payment plans to getting bulk produce into food pantries and schools, it’s all part of our commitment to fresh food for all.

You also learned how we’re supporting the hands that grow that food. Through the Organic Vegetable Farm Manager Apprenticeship, we’re helping train the next generation of skilled farm leaders while also helping farms navigate the challenges of extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and a changing climate.

And finally, we shared how essential farmer-to-farmer networks are in keeping growers connected, supported, and inspired. Whether it’s advice on managing pests or just knowing someone else out there “gets it,” these connections are the roots of a stronger, more sustainable food system.

This is just a glimpse into what FairShare does year-round to support farmers and nourish communities. This work is possible because people like you believe in it.

If you’re inspired by what we’ve shared and want to see this kind of impact continue and grow, we invite you to support it here. Your gift helps sustain these programs at a time when many funding sources are shifting or disappearing.

Thank you for being part of this community.

Building strong farm communities

Picture this: you’re a farmer, facing a new pest that you don’t know how to handle. Or you’re having trouble with irrigation. Who do you turn to for help? Where do you go for more information?

Farming is a deeply rewarding profession. But it can also be incredibly isolating. That’s why community matters so much. Having a network of other growers to lean on, learn from, and laugh with can make all the difference.

At FairShare, we know how important it is to create spaces where farmer-to-farmer connections happen. Besides hosting our grower listserv where farmers share knowledge, we also coordinate two larger groups: the Midwest Vegetable Growers Network for farmers across our region, and the national CSA Innovation Network focused on strengthening CSA.

We’re frequently told how valuable these peer resources are, like in this note from a Midwestern producer in our MVEG Network:

“Every bit and piece of my farm has taken some kind of advice or input from the peer-to-peer talks—hearing what other farmers are doing to make their jobs easier and sharing that knowledge with everyone. We have a diverse production of organic vegetables, and I was able to take in a lot and utilize this info on the farm in more ways than one.”

Whether in a workshop on a farm, conference session, or virtual discussion with other producers, growers crave connection with their peers. And we’re right there in the weeds with them, making sure they feel supported every step of the way.

More than just a box of veggies

“Getting local organic vegetables has been so much fun for our toddler, and has helped her be more adventurous with eating. Sometimes the broccoli is purple! Or the carrots have two 'legs'! We wouldn’t have been able to afford this otherwise.” - 2024 Partner Shares participant

This little moment - purple broccoli, wiggly carrots, and a toddler discovering the joy of vegetables - is what the Partner Shares Program is all about. 

With support from Partner Shares, people navigating tight budgets or tough circumstances can still bring home fresh, nutritious produce from a local farm. It’s not just about access to food - it’s about expanding access to the experience of eating well and feeling connected to the farms that feed us.

But Partner Shares is just one piece of the food access puzzle.

Through the Community Partnerships program, FairShare also supports farms in getting bulk fresh produce into food pantries, community centers, and schools - places already doing critical work to nourish low-income and marginalized community members. These partnerships are able to sustain and elevate the impact of the work they're already doing with support from the Community Partnerships program. 

So far in 2025, FairShare has already been able to support 166 households through Partner Shares and 5 organizations through Community Partnerships. Altogether, that is over 1,100 individuals receiving fresh food from local farms through these programs.

This work is possible because people like you believe everyone deserves access to fresh, local food. Will you make a gift here to keep this momentum going? Every dollar helps grow these connections - between farms and families, food and dignity, community and care.