Help us turn extra food that would be tossed into shelf-stable food for our community.
What happens when the ferry stops running? When food deliveries are delayed weeks? When grocery store shelves can’t be restocked?
We don’t know. And that’s exactly why the Locavores are starting Prepared Pantry.
Not because we expect the worst. Because we know Lopez is better off when we’re ready for whatever comes our way.
Lopez grows an abundance of good food. Sometimes more than we can eat. Last summer, Grow a Row had a bumper crop of fruits and vegetables, including more apples than we could use fresh.
Instead of letting that harvest go to waste, Locavores volunteers got to work. Over the winter, we processed 360 pounds of apples into freeze-dried and dehydrated food. That’s more than 1,000 servings, ready to sit on a shelf for 25 years. Over the past eight months, we’ve managed to produce over 1600 servings to be added to instant oats for breakfasts, and almost 600 servings of vegetable stew.
That’s the idea behind Prepared Pantry: to turn surplus harvests into a community reserve of nutritious, shelf-stable food. We’ll preserve food grown here whenever we can, supplementing it with staples like oats, beans and rice, and create simple meals that require little more than water to prepare.
We’re not stockpiling survival rations or preparing for the apocalypse. We’re simply neighbors preparing for tomorrow – together.
Help us build the pantry.
Right now, Fred (the freeze dryer) can process about 160 pounds of surplus food a month. That’s roughly 1,920 pounds of fresh produce. We want to retire him to more of a supporting role and bring in a larger freeze dryer that can process over a ton of fresh produce annually. That doesn’t even include the bases of oats, beans and rice!
That’s why we’re raising $13,000 to fund:
- A larger freeze dryer and cart
- 2 years rent at Taproot commercial kitchen (for safety purposes)
- Dry storage, freezer space and cool storage
- 2 year’s supply of oats, beans and rice
- Packaging and shelf-stable storage supplies, totes
- Processing supplies
Donate Today!
- $25 gets us oxygen absorbers for mylar storage bags
- $50 buys totes for long term storage
- $100 moves us one step closer toward our goal
We can’t predict the next earthquake, ferry disruption, extended power outage or emergency.
But we can prepare as a community.
Help us be prepared, not scared.
The Locavores is a 501(c)(3), so your donation is tax-deductible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prepared Pantry?
Prepared Pantry is a new program from The Locavores that turns surplus food on Lopez into freeze-dried shelf-stable meals, building a community food reserve for times when the ferry stops running, deliveries are delayed, or grocery shelves can’t be restocked.
Is this about prepping for the apocalypse?
No. We’re not stockpiling survival rations or preparing for worst-case scenarios. We’re neighbors preparing together for the realities of island life — earthquakes, ferry disruptions, and extended power outages.
Where does the food come from?
Surplus produce from the Lopez Food Share, along with gleaned fruit from local orchards. Last summer, Grow a Row had a bumper crop of fruits and vegetables, including more apples than could be used fresh. We took that food, that would otherwise have gone to waste, and processed it so neighbors could eat it when needed.
Do you have a track record with this?
Yes. Over the winter, Locavores volunteers processed 360 pounds of surplus apples into freeze-dried and dehydrated food — more than 1,000 servings, shelf-stable for up to 25 years. And, Over eight months we have managed to produce over 1600 servings to be added to instant oats for breakfasts, and almost 600 servings of bean, vegetable stew.
What kinds of food will Prepared Pantry make?
Simple, shelf-stable meals that need little more than water to prepare, including instant oatmeal with fruit, and a bean and vegetable stew. Preserved produce is paired with staples like oats, beans and rice.
Who gets the food first?
We’re starting with food for little ones, then expanding to serve our most vulnerable neighbors.
What is "Fred"?
Fred is the nickname for our current freeze dryer. He can process about 160 pounds of surplus food a month — roughly 1,920 pounds a year. He’s done great work, but we’ve outgrown him.
What will the $13,000 goal fund?
- A larger freeze dryer and cart, able to process over a ton of produce a year
- Two years’ rent at Taproot’s commercial kitchen (for safe, code-compliant processing)
- Dry, freezer and cool storage space
- Two years’ supply of oats, beans and rice
- Packaging, totes and shelf-stable storage supplies
- Processing supplies
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. The Locavores is a registered 501(c)(3), so your donation is tax-deductible.
What happens to the money if the goal isn't fully met?
We will keep working until our goal is met. Your donation will never go to waste.
How can I help besides donating?
Share the campaign with friends, family and neighbors. Reach alone makes a real difference for a community campaign like this. If you are interested in joining us in the kitchen, please contact Denise Clark at info@lopezlocavores.org
Who do I contact with questions?
Denise Clark info@lopezlocavores.com