As you make your list and check it twice during this season of giving, please consider contributing to CUESA! As a nonprofit educational institution, we work to promote a sustainable food system by operating the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and its educational programs. Fulfilling our mission requires considerable work and resources, and while we are fortunate to have the income provided by our farmers’ markets, fundraising events, sponsorships and other sources, we can do more with additional support.

Some of you already contribute directly to CUESA by working as a volunteer, serving on a committee, or sponsoring or attending fundraising events such as our recent Sunday Supper. As a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation, CUESA can also accept your cash or in-kind donations, which (in accordance with state and federal laws) may be tax-deductible.

Our farmers’ market operations, education and administration departments all need additional or upgraded equipment and supplies. Here is our list of some current activities and examples of specific needs:

Farmers’ market operations

Our Tuesday and Saturday markets are an important source of income for sellers and fresh local food for the Bay Area’s residents. This year, we will continue to improve the farmers’ market experience for both sellers and shoppers. To this end, some of our needs are:

• 10 folding tables and 72 folding chairs
• An additional 20’ tent cover imprinted with our name and logo
• Stacking flatbed tilt carts for transporting supplies
  

Education programs

CUESA provides many formal and informal learning opportunities through our farmers’ market education programs, off-site and evening events, website and weekly e-letter. Our Saturday Market to Table programs present producer interviews and seasonal cooking demonstrations from distinguished chefs. We continue to hold themed market celebrations where shoppers learn about seasonal food and regional farming. Our electronic newsletter is sent to over 5,000 recipients weekly. Under development are Discovery Stations for the markets, new fact sheets, exciting website features, and activities for visiting school groups like Scavenger Hunts and Market Bingo games. Items that will help us to enhance or expand our growing educational programs include:

• Wireless microphone system for instructors
• 1 Gigabyte Compact Flash disk for recording and storing images
• The latest editions of Adobe Photoshop and Quark
• Large food processor
• High-powered blender
• Stand mixer
• Additional pans, bowls, and cutlery
  

Administration

As our staff and volunteer base grow, so do our administrative needs. To help accommodate this expansion, we need:

• Updated computer work station
• Laptop computer for remote locations
• Digital projector and portable slide screen for training and education

If you are interested in making an in-kind contribution of any of the items described above or would like to see our more extensive wish list, contact Executive Director Dave Stockdale at 415.291.3276, ext 107, or dave@cuesa.org. Make cash contributions online by clicking here or mail them directly to CUESA at One Ferry Building Suite 50, San Francisco, CA, 94111.

Thank you and Happy Holidays!