Hi!

My name is Gonzalo(he/him) and I am seeking support in raising $30,000 to purchase a new cargo/delivery van for my farm (Lomita Farm PDX). This is my first year at the Headwaters Farm Incubator Program in Gresham, OR, where I am stewarding one half acre of land. I'm primarily growing veggies, with an emphasis on foods that are culturally significant to Mexican/Southern Indigenous folks.

I currently do not own a vehicle of my own and have been borrowing a car from a family member and catching rides with friends, which is not sustainable for me. I am turning to my community to support me in this endeavor because I have been unsuccessful in finding other financing options as a young/undocumented/BIPOC farmer.

I currently work with multiple non-profit organizations to distribute 35-45 CSA shares each week to BIPOC and/or low income folks. The purchase of this cargo van, will ensure that I am able to continue to get my food out to the communities I care about without having to worry about arranging transportation each week. This van will also make it easier to complete day to day farm tasks (picking up supplies/materials, harvesting, etc).

In the ideal situation I would like to purchase a new Ford Transit Connect with a refrigeration unit, which runs around $27,000-30,000. I have some funds from a previous fundraiser (around $2500) which I will use to cover insurance and gas. If I am unable to raise the full amount of my fundraiser, I will try to purchase whatever I can find with the funding I have available. I would like to purchase a van as soon as possible. Gofundme receives a percetange of donations for processing fees, which is why I've put the goal at $31,000 to account for it.

Wether it's donating or simply sharing this fundraiser, I appreciate any and all support reaching this goal! If you have any questions or concerns you can email me (gonzalopdx at gmail.com) or direct message me on instagram (@Lomitafarmpdx). Thank you for believing in the vision for my farm and for helping to build food sovereignty.

Much Love,

Gonzalo

You can also donate via venmo @Gonzalo-GarciaReyes or Cash App @GonzaloGarciaReyes