F.A.R.M.S. to Food Bank Program

Geographic Scope: United States (20+ states) and international (Barbados, Haiti, India, Trinidad, Sierra Leone)

Focus Areas:

• Fighting food insecurity and hunger
• Reducing food waste
• Creating resilient food systems
• Supporting rural farmers through produce purchases
• Direct pipeline between rural farmers and food-insecure communities

Background: Vital initiative transforming excess produce from farms into nutritious meals for families, bypassing traditional supply chains that underserve rural areas.

Key Statistics:

• Nearly 3 million pounds of fresh produce donated to date
• 150 acres lost per hour in the U.S. to real estate development
• 30-40% of U.S. food supply lost or wasted annually
• Nine out of ten counties with highest food insecurity rates are rural
• Top 5 states with highest household food insecurity: Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma
• Average 25,000 people die daily from starvation globally (10,000 children)

Geographic Focus: Rural communities disproportionately facing higher rates of food insecurity

How It Works: Program purchases surplus produce from small family farms, ensuring farmers receive income while providing fresh, healthy food to food-insecure rural families and communities.

F.A.R.M.S. to Food Bank Program Application

Application Type: Farmer Producer Application

Purpose: Welcome purchase of produce to be donated to food bank partners. By selling to F.A.R.M.S., farmers expand their retail capacity.

Process:

1. Complete the application form on website
2. Program markets your produce products to food bank partners
3. Food bank partners can then purchase from you directly in the future

Note: Website indicates form is available but specific form fields/questions not detailed in provided text.