‘Farm 2 Table’ Grows from Grassroots Effort into Year-Round Community Program

Recap of MCF’s ‘Farm 2 Table’ efforts in 2025

Washington County - What started as a grassroots effort among a group of local community leaders in 2020 has grown into a shared vision for how Washington County can better connect local agriculture with the needs of its families.

For the past six years, these community leaders have worked together to purchase livestock and provide fresh meat to food pantries throughout the county. Their efforts have resulted in approximately 30,000 pounds of meat donated to local food pantries, creating a meaningful source of protein for families who need it most.

Two years ago, Marietta Community Foundation began a similar effort through its ‘Farm 2 Table’ program at the Washington County Fair, purchasing fair animals and donating the processed meat to local food pantries.

As both efforts continued to grow, it became clear that they shared more than a common goal. Together, they had an opportunity to build something bigger — and more sustainable — than either effort could create on its own.

That realization has brought the community leaders and Marietta Community Foundation together to create a coordinated, year-round ‘Farm 2 Table’ program that builds on the work already happening in Washington County while creating new opportunities for the community to participate.

“One of my favorite things about the Foundation is being a connector…bringing people together, recognizing the good work that is already happening in our community, and finding ways to help that work go even further,” said Heather Allender, President & CEO of Marietta Community Foundation. “There has been incredible work happening since 2020, and we’re proud to be joining that effort.”

That new chapter will begin with this year’s fair season in Washington County.

For the first time, individuals purchasing livestock at the fair will have the option to designate their animal to ‘Farm 2 Table.’ Buyers who choose the ‘Farm 2 Table’ option can purchase a cow or pig, which will then be processed and distributed to food pantries throughout Washington County.

The opportunity creates a full-circle investment in the community. A young person spends months raising an animal, gaining experience, and building a connection to agriculture. A buyer then invests in that young farmer at the fair. Through ‘Farm 2 Table’, that investment can continue its journey, ultimately becoming nutritious food for a family in need.

“It brings together so many things that make our community special,” Allender said. “We are investing in our young people, supporting local agriculture, and then carrying that investment forward to help families in our community. Everyone has a place in that story.”

While the fair provides a new way for the community to participate, the vision for ‘Farm 2 Table’ extends well beyond the fairgrounds.

Food pantries across Washington County serve more than 1,000 families each month, and fresh meat remains one of the most difficult sources of protein for them to consistently provide. To help meet that need year-round, the community leaders and MCF are launching an ongoing fundraising effort to support livestock purchases, processing costs and other program expenses.

Farmers can donate livestock directly, while individuals, businesses and organizations can contribute financially toward the costs of purchasing and processing animals. By creating multiple ways for the community to participate, ‘Farm 2 Table’ can grow from an annual fair initiative into a year-round effort to provide fresh, locally sourced protein to families in need.

Marietta Community Foundation and the community leaders supporting Farm 2 Table are inviting Washington County to help shape what comes next. To learn more about Farm 2 Table or make a financial contribution, call (740) 373-3286.