At the heart of the Cape Cod Hunger Network is a commitment not only to feeding our neighbors, but to building a food system that is fair, resilient, and rooted in community values.
This week, that mission came to life through a meaningful collaboration with Farmer Tim of Cape Cod Organic Farm and Truro Community Kitchen.
Farmer Tim reached out with plans to donate a beautiful harvest of Eastham turnips to Truro Community Kitchen, continuing his long-standing generosity throughout the growing season. Tim, like so many local farmers, consistently steps up with an open heart to support food access on Cape Cod. Thanks to recent funding received by the Cape Cod Hunger Network, we were able to do something especially meaningful: pay Tim a fair market price for the turnips.
While Tim was fully prepared to donate this produce, as he so often does, we were in a position to compensate him fairly for his labor, land stewardship, and harvest. This moment reflects an important shift in how we support food security efforts on the Cape. Too often, local food producers are asked to donate their crops, their fish, time, and resources. Farmers and fishers are incredibly generous, and many are happy to give, but generosity alone
cannot sustain a local food system. Supporting farmers and fishers financially is just as important as supporting the people they feed.
By paying fair market price for this food, we:
- Honor the true value of farmers’ and fishers’ work
- Strengthen the local agricultural and fishing economy
- Create a more sustainable and equitable food system
- Ensure fresh, locally grown and harvested food continues to reach community kitchens and pantries
Truro Community Kitchen will be receiving these Eastham turnips and turning them into nourishing meals for the community, demonstrating how funding, farming, and food access can work together for greater impact.
How You Can Support This Work
The ability to fairly compensate farmers was made possible because of community investment in the Cape Cod Hunger Network. Donations allow us to purchase local food, support producers, and expand access to fresh, healthy meals across the Cape.
Ways to support the Cape Cod Hunger Network:
- Make a financial donation through the Network’s official giving page
- Advocate for funding that supports local food purchasing
- Support local farms whenever possible
- Volunteer with community kitchens and food access programs
When we invest in food security, we must also invest in the people who grow our food. Together, we can ensure that Cape Cod’s food system nourishes everyone—from farmers to families