DRIVERS WANTED
For Kitsap Harvest

https://www.kitsapharvest.org/volunteer/

The growing season is upon us! We are looking for several volunteers to help pick-up fresh locally grown produce at donation stations, farmers markets and our regular routes at grocery stores during the week.

Donation Stations & Farmers Market Drivers – We have stations located from Kingston to Port Orchard. Click here for map. Drivers will be using their own vehicle and coordinating with Neighborhood Captains on the locations and timing of pick-ups. Drivers will weigh donated produce in the Ikea bag with the luggage scale provided to them and record the total weight on the bottom of the Captains Log, then transport the produce and log to Kitsap Harvests aggregation/distribution hub. Good communication is a must to ensure timely pick-ups and drop-off.

Grocery Stores & Food Bank – This is a regular route done during the weekdays and possible Saturday. Involves using our box truck and coordinating with sites on pick-up timing and what items we are needing at the time. Drivers would pick-up food and bring it back to the warehouse for weighing and sorting by volunteers. Also, it is important keeping-up on truck maintenance log and communicating any issues ASAP.

For both positions we are looking for helpful individuals who appreciate our mission of, feeding families from front yards, foodbanks & farms, and enjoying getting out into the community. Good driving record is important too.

If you are interested or know anybody that would enjoy this volunteer activity please let us know and or register at Volunteer with Kitsap Harvest. If multiple people are interested it would be great to divide and conquer!

If you have any questions let us know at hub@kitsapharvest.org.

– Posted May 18, 2023

This month’s coordinator spotlight:

Amy Smalley, Water Stewardship

The WSU Kitsap Extension Water Stewardship programs bring you affordable classes that take you outside to explore our region’s fresh and salt water ecosystems and our relationship with them. Begin your adventure in lifelong learning in one of these areas: Stream Stewards, Beach Naturalists, and Salmon Docents. We also offer community education in areas including: Septic Sense Workshops, Kitsap Salmon Tours, Shore Friendly Kitsap, and Shore Stewards.

Let’s learn a little more about Amy and the Water Stewardship Program:

How did you first get involved with Water Stewardship?

I have always had a passion for the outdoors, nature, science and the interwoven connectivity between human life and the natural world. I completed my undergrad in environmental policy with a minor in environmental science, and it was during that time that I realized the importance of conservation and preservation in a quickly changing world, and how much it meant to me personally. Being a parent, it’s important for me to leave a world where my kids and future generations can enjoy all that is associated with a healthy environment. I believe that when people understand and respect our human connections with the environment and realize we are very much a part of these valuable ecosystems, they will make changes to protect the places we live for generations to come. Washington State University Extension is the avenue in which I can achieve those goals through education and outreach in our community; coordinating programs where people can learn about the importance of these connections and how they can get involved to make a positive impact in our local ecosystems.

What is the most rewarding part about your job?

There are so many rewarding aspects of my job. One, I get to work with some of the coolest people around; researchers, biologists, ecologists, planners, engineers, water quality specialists, stormwater experts, restoration experts, and educators to name a few. Two, the volunteers in the Water Stewardship program are amazing. I am consistently blown away by the passion, appreciation, and dedication these folks have for the programs and the volunteer work that they do. Three, the work that I do is very fulfilling, I get to be a small part in protecting this place for generations to come.

What is one important or valuable feature of Water Stewardship that is not commonly known?

People think they need to have a background or knowledge of stream ecology, salmon biology, or marine biology to take these trainings, but you don’t. Anyone from any education background can take these trainings, the goal is to provide accessible learning opportunities for all. There is nothing more rewarding than watching those who don’t have any in-depth environmental education become so inspired and in awe of what they learn and take away from these programs.

Any other information you’d like people to know?

We are part of the Clean Water Kitsap partnership. The Clean Water Kitsap Partnership is a nationally recognized multi-agency partnership that was created to reduce flooding, prevent pollution, and restore fish habitat through stormwater management activities. One of my colleagues said it best, when he said the Clean Water Kitsap partnership is like its own ecosystem and we all play a vital role in it. I am very fortunate that in my work, I get to give people a firsthand tour of all the partners and their roles in our community (during the Stream Steward training). Trainees are impressed by this collaboration and all the work that goes on behind the scenes to maintain and improve upon the human health and the health of our natural resources here in Kitsap County.

For more information about our Water Stewardship programming please visit our Home page!

– Posted March 28, 2023

Here’s what you need to know

Emergency food allotments are ending in February and your food benefit amount will decrease beginning March 2023. From March 2020 to February 2023, the federal government issued temporary emergency funding to provide families with additional food benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Starting in March 2023
The amount of food benefits you will receive without the emergency benefits will depend on your specific circumstances.

Here’s what you can do

Learn what your new benefit amount will be
Call 877-501-2233 and choose the self-service option or log into your Client Benefit Account at WashingtonConnection.org.
Find local resources
Visit findhelp.org or 211.org. SNAP Match Programs increase your food benefits so you can buy more fruits and vegetables.

Report a change
If circumstances in your life have changed, you may qualify for a higher benefit amount. Call 877-501-2233, go to WashingtonConnection.org, or visit your local Community Services Office to report changes in household size, income or expenses.

See the mailer

– Posted February 28, 2023

This month’s coordinator spotlight:

Jess Sappington, Food Systems / Regional Small Farms

The Regional Small Farms Program supports small to mid-sized farms in Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap Counties by leveraging the broad resources of a major university to resolve issues and create a positive food future for our region.

Let’s learn a little more about Jess and the Regional Small Farms Program:

How did you first get involved with Regional Small Farms?

I went to college for environmental studies and sustainable agriculture. It was there where I first fell in love with farming while I interned on our school’s farm. The farm produced food for a small CSA program, provided fresh food to the local food bank, and worked with disadvantaged youth teaching them about food and farming. Working collaboratively to grow food from seed to harvest and seeing the impact that food had in the community was an amazing experience. After college I went into the Peace Corps. and served in the small island nation of Vanuatu working with their Department of Agriculture. I was assigned to the island of Tanna working with their local extension agents who were assisting farmers with a coffee growers cooperative project. Working with farmers overseas and seeing how those extension agents built relationships within their farm community was inspiring. After coming back and learning more about our states extension system, I knew that was a role that I wanted to explore.

What is the most rewarding part about your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is bringing people together. I love being able to facilitate groups of farmers who are networking and sharing their expertise or a group of community organizations working together on a project. I like to look for additional ways that Extension can benefit farmers and those that we serve. Exploring what could be and being creative on how that happens is what fuels me.

What is one important or valuable feature of Regional Small Farms that is not commonly known?

Most people don’t realize that we are a regional program. We serve farmers in Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap and have extension agents in each county working together to provide technical assistance, education and resource to our farmers. We also have access to statewide WSU specialist and a toolbox full of amazing partners to pull from. I like to say that if we can’t figure out the answer we will find someone who can.

Any other information you’d like people to know?

For more information about our Regional Small Farms programming please visit extension.wsu.edu/regionalsmallfarms!

– Posted February 25, 2023

This month’s coordinator spotlight:

Lis Nilsson, Kitsap 4-H Youth Development

4-H is America’s largest youth development organization – empowering nearly six million young people around the world, 4-H type clubs now exist in at least 82 countries.

Let’s learn a little more about Lis and the Kitsap 4-H program:

How did you first get involved with 4-H?

I am a 4-H alumni from Northern California. I grew up on a sheep ranch and showed sheep through 4-H growing up. As an adult I went into the education field and after 11 years teaching overseas I returned to the United States and started working for WSU as the 4-H Program Coordinator here in Kitsap County. I enjoy merging my passions together including experiential education, children and animals.

What is the most rewarding part about your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is watching children come into their own. There is nothing quite like seeing a child/youth find their passion and excitement and thrive.

What is one important or valuable feature of 4-H that is not commonly known?

4-H is MORE than livestock! Most people think of 4-H as cows, sows and horses but 4-H is so much more than that. 4-H offers programs in not only livestock but also small animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, cavies and still life including cooking, sewing, photography, and expressive arts.

Any other information you’d like people to know?

When people ask me for more information about 4-H I always ask them what they or their child(ren) are interested in. 4-H can find a curriculum for any interest – from animals, to legos, to taxidermy, to clay and anything and everything in between.

– Posted January 31, 2023

Responses due Feb. 6, 2023

Click here to learn more!

The 2022 Census of Agriculture is now underway.

The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Even small plots of land – whether rural or urban – growing fruit, vegetables or some food animals count if $1,000 or more of such products were raised and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year. The Census of Agriculture, taken only once every five years, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. For America’s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity.

– Posted here January 11, 2023

Thank you for following us. We have come to the end of yet another impactful year.

Kitsap Harvest has become an official, federally recognized non-profit. The Board is looking to connect with people interested in helping build the organization and participate on the Board. There is a lot of room to be a part of this newly formed non-profit’s growth and sustainability.

This year they recruited a team of Ameri Corps Vistas and a volunteer coordinator supported by emergency hunger relief funding. The funding and positions end in June, so everyone is working effectively to make the programming more accessible for volunteers and over all program management.

Kitsap Harvest would like to recognize the volunteers who have been helping all along, and especially in this overly wintery December. 115 hours just this month! November was the Volunteer Appreciation event and several of the volunteers earned the Presidential Service Award with 100 plus hours over the last year. Volunteers and Vista’s have helped, in a total, move just over 100,000 lbs during 2022, providing access to over 2000 residents. Incredible!

There were a small handful of gleans this year due to the unseasonal freeze killing fruit tree blossoms. 9 out of 10 home owners reported having little to no fruit this year. Each year has a story, either smoke, heat, drought, or freeze; harvesting is the response to much anticipation. Grow A Row stepped up this year and created multiple donation stations around the county. Big hopes to help home gardeners connect with information and training, plus veggie starts in this coming year. Will you pledge to Grow A Row for Kitsap Harvest?

Connect with Kitsap Harvest directly by signing up for their newsletter to follow them on their development or if you are interested in getting more involved, email info@kitsapharvest.org.

– Posted December 30, 2022

Amazon customers who use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits in Washington can now use SNAP Produce Match for Amazon Fresh purchases. This expands the number of grocers offering home delivery options, making the program more accessible to those with transportation challenges. To find out if Amazon Fresh Delivery is available in your area, visit amazon.com/fresh and enter your zip code. To use SNAP Produce Match, simply add your SNAP/EBT card to your Amazon wallet, purchase at least $10 of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables with your SNAP benefits, and a $5 coupon will be applied to your account for your next purchase!

– Posted December 30, 2022