Replacing WEI's Refrigerated Van
Donation protected
Two Saturdays ago, around 5:45 AM, a loud thud hit and shook the cargo van I was driving on I 35, headed to the Mill City Farmer's Market in Minneapolis. The van was full of fresh produce, all grown and ready to sell from the Women's Environmental Institute's Amador Hill Farm. As the van began to smoke and steam, I pulled off to the side and got out to see what hit me. Unfortunately, I found the young deer laying dead back up the road. I was shocked, but apparently not hurt myself. With the help of dedicated volunteers and farm crew, we got the produce to market -- but the van is no longer driveable.
Since that morning, WEI has been looking for a used refrigerated cargo van to replace our decommissioned one. After scouring many sources, we still haven't found a suitable one, even to rent. We are temporarily renting a non-refrigerated U-Haul for CSA delivery, Saturday's market, and delivery of our Veggie Rx Produce to the three rural clinics we serve -- but this is not a sustainable, long-term solution, especially as the summer heats up.
So we are asking for your support to replace this necessary part of our farm.
We expect we may be able to find a used, refrigerated cargo van for about $25,000. This unanticipated expense has been alarming, but we also know our customers and allies depend on us, so we will do our best to meet this challenge. We are seeking matching grants as well, so please consider how you may support WEI in this time of unexpected need.
The van is our sole mode of transportation for distributing our produce and the produce and products of our North Circle partner farmers. Through our CSAs, North Circle Veggie Rx and Online Farmers Market, and Mill City Farmers Market, our beautiful, organic produce reaches over 1,000 households each year. Relationships connect and sustain us -- and on a different level, so too does the van!
Many thanks for your consideration. I am deeply grateful for whatever contribution, advice, or leads you may be able to provide. No amount is too small.
Karen Clark, WEI Activist Executive Director
Since that morning, WEI has been looking for a used refrigerated cargo van to replace our decommissioned one. After scouring many sources, we still haven't found a suitable one, even to rent. We are temporarily renting a non-refrigerated U-Haul for CSA delivery, Saturday's market, and delivery of our Veggie Rx Produce to the three rural clinics we serve -- but this is not a sustainable, long-term solution, especially as the summer heats up.
So we are asking for your support to replace this necessary part of our farm.
We expect we may be able to find a used, refrigerated cargo van for about $25,000. This unanticipated expense has been alarming, but we also know our customers and allies depend on us, so we will do our best to meet this challenge. We are seeking matching grants as well, so please consider how you may support WEI in this time of unexpected need.
The van is our sole mode of transportation for distributing our produce and the produce and products of our North Circle partner farmers. Through our CSAs, North Circle Veggie Rx and Online Farmers Market, and Mill City Farmers Market, our beautiful, organic produce reaches over 1,000 households each year. Relationships connect and sustain us -- and on a different level, so too does the van!
Many thanks for your consideration. I am deeply grateful for whatever contribution, advice, or leads you may be able to provide. No amount is too small.
Karen Clark, WEI Activist Executive Director
Organizer
Womens Environmental
Organizer
North Branch, MN
