Wildfires Update and How You Can Help

November 1, 2019

As we all face another devastating wildfire season, our thoughts are with our community impacted by the Kincade Fire up north and other fires burning across California. A number of our farmers and sellers have had to evacuate their properties and sustain power outages over the last week but are currently safe. You can view photos and updates from some of our sellers, such as Little Apple Treats, Tierra Vegetables, and Toluma Farms.

We have been keeping in touch with our farmers and sellers and expect most of them to be at the market tomorrow, as they rely on the farmers market as a critical part of their livelihoods. And one of the best ways you can help our community is to come out and support them at the farmers market. 

As catastrophic wildfire seasons have become the new normal in the age of climate change, wildfires, power outages, and smoke all have enormous impacts on small farmers and food business owners, who are already operating on razor-thin margins. Exposure to heavy smoke poses major hazards and risks to farmers’ and workers’ health. Power outages mean that farmers and food producers can lose products because they are not able to irrigate or keep perishable crops and products refrigerated. Not to mention the devastating impact and trauma for farmers and workers who lose their properties and homes.  

In times of disaster, the resilient food and farming community always rallies to feed and nourish those in need. We are grateful to see the outpouring of support from chefs and volunteers tirelessly cooking meals for evacuees and first responders. Please consider donating to organizations like Redwood Empire Food Bank, World Central Kitchen, Latino Community Foundation, and UndocuFund, who are providing relief for evacuees and funds for the long recovery ahead. You can find a more complete list here.

Thanks to all of you for supporting our farmers and food producers through these difficult times. If you have questions about a particular seller, please visit the CUESA Info Booth, or check here for attendance updates.

Photo courtesy of Toluma Farms.