WHO WE ARE
It takes a village (of volunteers)
Firstfruits Farm SLO is a 100% volunteer-run non-profit organization.
Our mission
Caring for the earth and our neighbors by organically farming and freely giving fruits and vegetables to people experiencing food insecurity in San Luis Obispo County, California.
Pillars of Operation
PLANTING HOPE
In a world divided by clan, creed, practice, status, and politics, Firstfruits Farm SLO is committed to choosing love first.
With love for the earth and love for our neighbors, we aim to be an intersection for our community and inspire hope for generations to come.
GROWING GENEROSITY
From seed to harvest, we cultivate our crops through volunteer-run activities, welcoming all ages and skill levels.
Everyone is invited to use their capabilities generously as we grow food to feed our community.
HONORING DIGNITY
We affirm the human right to dignity and belonging, celebrating diversity in our volunteers and recipients.
Through agency partnerships, our donated produce reaches individuals and families with limited access to high-quality, community-grown, fresh food.
Board of Directors
Keeping the organization on mission is the primary responsibility of the board of directors. Our board members receive no financial or material compensation for their service.
Wes Carlson
President
Dinora Escalera Delgado
Secretary
Rick Wolfe
Treasurer
Ben Horton
Vice President
Kathy Keil
Farm Liaison
Sara Allen
Comms Director
History
2011 | A dream is formed! Ken and Judy Peet, Darin Laity, and a large group of friends from Trinity Presbyterian Church and Grace Church worked on establishing the farm. | |
2012 | Soil & field preparations begin on a 1.5 acre parcel of land on the Peet's property. | |
2013 | The farm's first growing season! We harvested 8,800 pounds of produce, which was distributed through the God's Storehouse food pantry. | |
2014 | The SLO Food Bank began partnering with the farm to bring volunteer harvesters through its GleanSLO program. | |
2015 | Aware of the lack of high quality fruit available, we expanded our operations by planting an orchard on the Peets’ property and moving the vegetable farm to a 2 acre parcel of land donated by Son Care Foundation. | |
2019 | Firstfruits Farm SLO officially establishes as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. | |
2022 | The first set of permanent compost beds are built, starting our journey into regenerative, no-till farming. | |
2024 | A walk-in chiller was constructed to extend the life of our produce and reach more recipients. |