During economic downturns, many of our local nonprofit organizations are especially hard-hit, particularly those in the human services business. Their client numbers increase due to a greater need in the community. And financial contributions slack off, putting a strain on resources.
It is during these times when we find nonprofit staff working harder, longer and with even greater dedication. It is also at times like these when collaborations are important. When two organizations partner to benefit the community, great things happen.
A good example of such a joint venture is Hidden Villa of Los Altos Hills and the Community Services Agency, based in Mountain View. Three years ago, these organizations developed a program in which a portion of the produce grown at the local organic farm at Hidden Villa would be delivered to CSA’s food pantry to serve local low-income families and individuals. Today, this innovative program is now a funded project which provides approximately 25 percent of the farm’s produce to CSA clients.
The agency can receive upwards of 2,000 pounds of food per month during the height of the growing season — a total of almost 43,000 servings of fresh, organic vegetables last year alone.
CSA is proud to serve its clients healthy local produce — offering something that most food pantries do not. The agency’s clients are able to enjoy fresh produce as part of a healthy lifestyle, and because children comprise 41 percent of CSA’s client base, the benefits of healthy diets and good eating habits for these kids will be long lasting.
There are many hard-working people in organizations throughout this community doing great things. Let’s highlight them now as much as we can. There is good news out there too.
Carol Olson sits on the CSA board of directors. She lives on Promethean Way.
