Dear EFN Community,

We want to express our sincere appreciation for the incredible work you do to support our community. Today, we bring important news about a strategic shift at Mother Earth Farm that aligns with our unwavering commitment to addressing the increasing need for food assistance in Pierce County. After much reflection and consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close Mother Earth Farm at the end of this 2024 season (December 2024).

Over the past year, we have witnessed a 30% rise in visits to food pantries in our community, reflecting the growing challenges faced by many families. Those trends continue to rise. Recognizing this reality, we have made the decision to close the active cultivation at Mother Earth Farm. While this may come as a surprise, please know that this decision is driven by a deep desire to maximize our impact and better serve those in need.

In recent times, we’ve explored various avenues to ensure the farm’s sustainability and viability. After careful consideration we have found ample opportunities to source fresh and diverse produce from local, underrepresented, and first generational farmers in our community at a significantly lower cost than we can achieve through on-site cultivation.

This strategic shift enables us to stretch our resources further and make an even greater impact on addressing the increasing need for nourishment in our community. We believe this change will empower us to continue promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement in new and innovative ways.

While we bid farewell to the traditional farm model, we invite you to join us in embracing this evolution. Your invaluable contributions have laid the foundation for a strong and connected community, and we are excited about the potential for growth and collaboration in our future endeavors.

In the spirit of looking forward, we are planning a gathering in the coming months to celebrate the rich tapestry of memories we’ve woven together at Mother Earth Farm. This is an opportunity to share stories, express gratitude, and envision the positive impact we can continue to make as a community.

Throughout 2024, we will continue to plan and evaluate the details of this transition, answer any questions you may have, and gather your valuable input. Your collaboration and dedication are essential, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue working together to address hunger in Pierce County.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Your passion, hard work, and dedication have left an indelible mark, and we look forward to the next chapter of our collective adventure.

With sincere appreciation,

Michelle Douglas, CEO