**Encinitas farm donates record number in 2020 & offers 2021 Farm Camp scholarships**

Encinitas, Calif. – Coastal Roots Farm, a nonprofit Jewish community farm and education center in Encinitas, Calif., rang in the New Year raising $130,000 to support 7,800 local families.

The farm exceeded its initial $100,000 goal to feed 6,000 families, providing to a total of 7,800 families with 35,750 pounds of fresh, organic, nutrient-dense produce, grown on the Farm. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, one in three San Diego households is hungry.

At Coastal Roots Farm, we believe access to fresh, healthy food should not be a privilege for those with means, but a right for all,” said Javier Guerrero, Coastal Roots Farm’s President and CEO. “Our food system is in need of much repair, and we still have work to do, but we’re so happy we were able to help San Diego families this holiday season.”

San Diegans can continue to make a direct impact in our community by supporting the Farm’s Regenerative Agriculture, Organic Food Distribution, Environmental Education, and Jewish Life initiatives. For general donations, visit www.coastalrootsfarm.org/support.

Additionally, the Farm awarded more than 6- After-School Farm Camp scholarships to local kids this fall. Interested families should email Sharone Oren, Education Manager of Community Programs and Events at [email protected] for scholarship information.

Spending time outdoors is crucial for the development of young children. Remote learning has created an even larger need to get our little ones outside! Every day at Farm Camp includes different activities, games, snacks, songs, and science experiments, all in a safe, outdoor environment.

The Farm’s “Farmers-in-Training” get to learn where their food comes from and how they can help change the world by getting their hands dirty and into the soil. Registration now available for January through May. Sign up for one or more sessions; families can choose Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday sessions. Two time slots are available – Early Afternoon from 1-4pm with optional After-Care 4-5pm or Late Afternoon from 3-5pm.

Farm Camp follows all COVID-19 state regulations, ensuring a safe, protected, and fun environment. To learn more or to register, visit www.coastalrootsfarm.org/farm-camp.

Coastal Roots Farm is located at 441 Saxony Road in Encinitas. For more information, visit www.coastalrootsfarm.org.

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About Coastal Roots Farm:

Coastal Roots Farm is a nonprofit Jewish community farm and education center in Encinitas, Calif. where we practice organic farming, share our harvest with those who lack access, deliver unique farm-based educational programs, and foster inclusive spaces for people of all backgrounds to come together to connect, learn, and celebrate in ways that catalyze a more vibrant community.   

Farm programs are designed to meaningfully benefit the land and the community, from improving the fertility of the Farm’s soil and supporting biodiverse ecosystems, to making sure low-income families have equal and dignified access to fresh, nutrient-dense foods, and providing quality educational opportunities, we seek to foster a healthier community and a more sustainable environmental future for our region.