Greetings!
My name is Chester and I’m behind the wheel of the Marin Organic School Lunch and Gleaning Program. Every week I drive the Marin Organic truck through the county, across highways, neighborhoods and school parking lots, the refrigerator unit filled with organic food from Marin Organic producers. I imagine the community’s thoughts when they see the truck on the road: school chefs thinking to themselves, “I cook with those foods;” students and teachers saying to each other, “Our school lunch is made with that food;” happy parents knowing that a delivery may just have been made to their child's school. I envision local business owners, volunteers and Marin Organic supporters like yourselves nodding in satisfaction because they’ve supported our efforts. And, of course, I think about the farmers, the heart and soul of our work, who might say aloud, “I grew that food.”
Right here in Marin, so many schools lack funding, adequate kitchen facilities and cafeteria staff to properly feed students. But with the support, creativity and enthusiasm of our community, we’re paving the road to a healthier future for our kids. From Project Lunch to National Gleaning Day, Marin Organic has reached major milestones in 2010 thanks to our dedicated partners and volunteers, including the delivery of more than 140,000 pounds of free, certified organic food to schools and food pantries since the Organic School Lunch and Gleaning Program began.
Your ongoing support has truly helped us build and nourish our local food community and establish Marin Organic as a model nationwide. Thank you! We hope you will consider renewing your contribution to Marin Organic this year by joining our new Friends program outlined in the enclosed brochure. Membership comes with savory benefits from Marin Organic growers and producers, as well as exclusive discounts and invitations to member-only events for you and your family.
Join us! My co-pilot Dela and I will thank you, and every time you see the Marin Organic truck go by, you’ll know your gift is fueling something that truly makes a difference in the lives, hearts and health of kids across Marin.
Chester Densmore
