The Fairfield/Suisun Produce Pipeline - What is it?

The Fairfield/Suisun Produce Pipeline (the Pipeline) began as a completely volunteer effort, and it remains completely volunteer. All overhead and administrative work, equipment, and expenses are donated by project volunteers.

As volunteers, our goal is to assist in delivering donations of surplus fresh produce to Fairfield and Suisun groups that distribute food to those in need, including various religious group pantries, meal providers, and shelters. Fairfield and Suisun organizations are serving increasing numbers of needy people because of the economic downturn. They are pleased to receive donations (of any size) of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The people who donate "are" the pipeline. As part of the pipeline, you can:

Donate your own excess produce whenever you prefer (see our "Donate to These Organizations" page). Almost all donation sites are non-profits that can provide tax receipts for charitable donations. It's best to get the receipt upon delivery. You can request one in advance, when you call to arrange delivery, so it will be ready.
Plant extra in your summer garden, for donation.
Harvest and deliver to the site of your choice. If you need help with pickup and delivery, contact Karyl (399-7080). The pipeline will do its best to help with harvesting.
Help us find volunteers (perhaps from existing community service organizations). We need volunteers to:

• Assist during Farmers' Market collections (collecting, sorting, and delivering donations)
• Pick fruit for donors who cannot pick their own or pick up and deliver donor-picked food
• Distribute our "Donate to These Organizations" page. It lists each distributing group in Fairfield and Suisun, a contact person and phone number, and days/hours when the group receives and distributes food.

2011 and 2012 Were Good Years for the Pipeline

In 2011, the volunteers from the FFSSPP collected roughly 3,000 pounds of fresh produce from the Farmers' Market and approximately 1,000 pounds from private donors in Fairfield and Suisun. In 2012, we collected roughly 5,000 pounds from the Farmers' Market and, with our private donor base expanded by about 25%, we collected approximately 3,000 pounds from private donors. This is produce that would never have gotten into the hands of those in our two cities who needed it,  and we were delighted to have been able to deliver it to them.

Plans for 2013? We've learned a lot, and are continuing our efforts to collect from generous private donors and farmers at the Farmers' Market. As May approaches, we look forward to returning to the Farmers' Market on May 2, 2013.

Gleaning the Farmers' Market

The FFSSPP "gleaned" the Fairfield Farmers' Market for the first time in 2011, and in 2011 and 2012 collected a combined total of roughly 8,000 pounds of wonderful nutrient-dense vegetables and fruit, as well as eggs, bread, and hummus products, from the Market's exceptionally generous California farmers and vendors. We delivered the food to Fairfield and Suisun shelters and food distribution groups able to receive it that night or the next day. The Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association and the Fairfield Main Street Association have agreed to allow us to return in 2013, and we look forward to another year of valuable collection at this popular Fairfield community event.  Located on Jefferson at Texas Street, the Farmers' Market will be open from May 2nd until October 3rd, from 3:00 to 7:00. We'll be moving through the market starting at about 6:30.