All of the FridayMornings@SELMA funds support our current and future local-foods economy. Besides sourcing each event from our local farmers and other suppliers, the balance of our proceeds is set aside for projects that build new farm and food infrastructure. “Small farms - Small farmers” is building hoop-houses with donated funds. Hoop-houses can be a great catalyst, transforming our northern climate into a four-season growing environment. They allow farmers to feed us year round, and they provide a means to match the growing season with the typical academic school year.
“Small farms” - a micro credit system has been established to loan funds and physical support to those starting or expanding farms in our region. Farmers receive loans to purchase hoop-house supplies and volunteers from our organization provide the construction labor. The farmers pay back the loan over time to replenish the funds for additional projects and will add their efforts and expertise in the construction of future hoops. We have constructed hoop-houses for Brother Nature Produce in Detroit , Sunseed Farm in Ann Arbor, Spirit Farm in Detroit, Needlelane Farm in Tipton and Portage River Farm in Pinkney and Capella Farm in Ann Arbor. These hoops have created over 15,000 sf of additional four-season production capacity in our community. These are capable of generating about $150,000 in new economic activity and have generated about 5 full-time jobs growing this food.
We are currently scheduled to build one more hoop in September 2010.
- September 25th - Brines Farm in Dexter
And we could use your help! Volunteers of all shapes, sizes and skill-sets are needed for these “barn-raising” days. Please sign up for this build to be a part of the change. Want a hoop at your farm? Read and complete our application.
“Small farmers” - we would like to partner with another organization to create new four-season gardens on school campuses. It has been shown that kids who eat more fruits and vegetables do better in school and life. Additionally, kids who grow their own food are more likely to taste these foods and encourage others to do so, leading to this more nutritious and beneficial diet. The garden can also be incorporated into the school curriculum, offering opportunities for science, math and other learning. We have already raised the funds for the first new garden program and hope to have it in place during the 2010-2011 school year. Want to help build a hoop for your kid’s school?
By being volunteer driven with little-to-no overhead expenses and partnering with the established expertise of other area organizations, we can have a great impact, building tangible new assets with our small, incremental resources. All financial information is made public on the website. We are always looking for individuals and groups to partner with in these efforts. I hope you will contact us to join this initiative.