Meet F.A.R.M. Cafe

For over half of my college career, F.A.R.M. Cafe was one of those names I'd hear around town, but I never knew exactly what it was. It took living with a volunteer for the summer to finally bring me through the doors.

First of all, let it be known that F.A.R.M. Cafe is not a soup kitchen.

F.A.R.M. Cafe is a community cafe that has a "pay-what-you-can" system, a restaurant model that is popping up all over the country. This donation-based system is reflected in the suggested prices that are set for different meal sizes. If guests pay within the suggested donation range, they are covering the cost for their meal. If they pay over, their donation helps cover the cost of a meal for guests who cannot afford to pay for themselves. If guests pay under the suggested donation range, then it works the other way. For guests who are able, the Meal Exchange Program is another option to receive a delicious, fresh meal. In exchange for a meal, guests may volunteer an hour of their time working at the cafe. Tasks include dishwashing, food prep, greeting, serving, and setting up/breaking down. Walk-ins are welcome, though it is encouraged that regular volunteers create an account to sign-up electronically for shifts.

By allowing guests to pay what they can, F.A.R.M. Cafe makes healthy, nutritious, and sustainable food available to all, regardless of means.

F.A.R.M. Cafe believes that all individuals deserve to have access to fresh and local food. Over 90% of food comes from local sources, heavily decreasing the shipping costs that burden businesses and the environment. By supporting local farmers, F.A.R.M. Cafe is supporting the local food system and the farming culture that has defined the area.

Roasted pepper, cauliflower and lentil stew, oven roasted Springer Mountain Farms chicken, jasmine rice, lima beans with peppers, and mixed green salad. Photo courtesy of Kim Short.

Community is another goal of F.A.R.M. Cafe, and perhaps defines the nonprofit the most out of all its attributes. People helping people creates positive change in communities facing social issues (such as hunger). The pay-what-you-can system helps instill the mindset of "helping your neighbor" by encouraging guests to pay over the suggested donation to help give a meal to someone with fewer means. All in all, F.A.R.M. Cafe is an extremely beneficial and positive resource for the community and is truly one of my favorite places to spend my day.

If you would like to learn more about F.A.R.M. Cafe, visit farmcafe.org or click on my Partners page!

Warmly,

Colette

#paywhatyoucan #community #localfood #sustainable #volunteer