In 2014, a small group of friends came together to create Bountiful Backyard, a local non-profit focused on helping folks become more efficient, more resilient, and friendlier with the earth. Understanding that there was a lack of a major grocery store or farmer’s market in Philomath, their team created an ambitious plan.
“In 2020, we launched our flagship project: the Philomath Farmers Market. With the help of volunteers, we hosted 10 farmer market days in 2020,” says Mark Joseph, Executive Director of Bountiful Backyard. “However, after receiving a grant from BCF in 2021, we were really able to gain some traction.”
The grant from BCF provided the boost necessary for the organization to hire their very first Market Manager, paving the way to expand the market’s offerings. With 20 market days planned in 2022, the Philomath Farmer’s Market (Sundays at the Philomath Community Library) is designed to be an incubator for folks who are growing food in community and backyard gardens. “BCF provided the grant funding we needed to get our infrastructure up and running,” remarked Mark.
The grant was delivered from BCF’s Community Grants Program, which distributed more than $130,000 to 29 nonprofits in 2021. Thanks to a dedicated group of generous donors, nonprofits across Benton County can access financial support to further the mission of their organizations. These funds are making it possible for Bountiful Backyard to realize their long-term vision of bringing the community together, empowering people to grow food in healthful ways and to demonstrate a strong, localized economy.