IFM Food Sources
At IFM, our commitment is simple: provide wholesome, high-quality supplemental groceries that nourish our neighbors and support their overall health and well-being.
On average, IFM spends about $20 in purchased food per person for a set of grocery bags. Thanks to strong partnerships, donated food, and seasonal produce grown through our garden program, the total market value of food in those bags is typically around $150 per person — more than 7 times what we pay.
Every dollar entrusted to IFM is stretched with care and intention to provide nutritious, balanced food to the individuals and families we serve.
1. Purchased Food
IFM purchases food thoughtfully and strategically to ensure every grocery bag contains wholesome staples and fresh items.
We buy from a variety of vendors and food producers, often at steeply discounted prices. When market pricing is necessary, we carefully compare options to secure the best value while maintaining quality.
Our strong buying power comes largely through our partnership with Feeding the Foothills and its association with Feeding America and Raley’s.
Additional key partners include:
We also purchase directly from local and regional farmers and food producers, raising funds specifically earmarked for these purchases. Supporting local farms and small businesses allows us to offer more fresh, nutritious food while strengthening our local economy.
Together, these efforts are known as our Good Food for All Program.
2. Donated Food
Donated food is a powerful part of how IFM provides abundant, wholesome groceries.
We regularly receive donations from:
An extraordinary team of 30–40 volunteer drivers completes two routes, seven days a week, picking up food from 10 grocery stores and both Flour Garden Bakery locations. Their dedication ensures nutritious food is rescued and redirected to families instead of going to waste.
Through the Sierra Harvest Gleaning Program, volunteers harvest 25,000–30,000 pounds of fresh produce each year from local farms and orchards.
Local farms such as Mountain Bounty Farm, Starbright Acres, and many others also generously donate food. Farming is not easy work, and we are deeply grateful for these growers who help nourish our community.
3. Grown by IFM
Fresh produce grown through IFM’s Garden Team goes directly into the hands of our clients.
IFM staff and volunteers partner with generous community members who donate garden space and water access. Using grant funding and donations, we purchase tools, soil, seeds, and starts with many supplies also donated by local nurseries and individuals. Some sites even include established fruit trees.
The fruits and vegetables grown and harvested from IFM garden sites are placed directly into our produce bags, providing families with fresh, seasonal, nutrient-rich food.
Our Commitment
Whether purchased, donated, or grown, every item that goes into an IFM grocery bag is chosen with care. Our goal is not just to provide food but to provide wholesome, supplemental groceries that promote health, dignity, and stability for our neighbors in Nevada County.
On average, IFM spends about $20 in purchased food per person for a set of grocery bags. Thanks to strong partnerships, donated food, and seasonal produce grown through our garden program, the total market value of food in those bags is typically around $150 per person — more than 7 times what we pay.
Every dollar entrusted to IFM is stretched with care and intention to provide nutritious, balanced food to the individuals and families we serve.
1. Purchased Food
IFM purchases food thoughtfully and strategically to ensure every grocery bag contains wholesome staples and fresh items.
We buy from a variety of vendors and food producers, often at steeply discounted prices. When market pricing is necessary, we carefully compare options to secure the best value while maintaining quality.
Our strong buying power comes largely through our partnership with Feeding the Foothills and its association with Feeding America and Raley’s.
Additional key partners include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables from Produce Express
- Dried goods such as beans, rice, and oats from The Danielsen Company
- Milk, eggs, and meat from Grocery Outlet (locally owned and operated)
We also purchase directly from local and regional farmers and food producers, raising funds specifically earmarked for these purchases. Supporting local farms and small businesses allows us to offer more fresh, nutritious food while strengthening our local economy.
Together, these efforts are known as our Good Food for All Program.
2. Donated Food
Donated food is a powerful part of how IFM provides abundant, wholesome groceries.
We regularly receive donations from:
- Feeding the Foothills
- Local grocery stores
- Community food drives and individual donors
- The Sierra Harvest Gleaning Program
- Food Bank of Nevada County
An extraordinary team of 30–40 volunteer drivers completes two routes, seven days a week, picking up food from 10 grocery stores and both Flour Garden Bakery locations. Their dedication ensures nutritious food is rescued and redirected to families instead of going to waste.
Through the Sierra Harvest Gleaning Program, volunteers harvest 25,000–30,000 pounds of fresh produce each year from local farms and orchards.
Local farms such as Mountain Bounty Farm, Starbright Acres, and many others also generously donate food. Farming is not easy work, and we are deeply grateful for these growers who help nourish our community.
3. Grown by IFM
Fresh produce grown through IFM’s Garden Team goes directly into the hands of our clients.
IFM staff and volunteers partner with generous community members who donate garden space and water access. Using grant funding and donations, we purchase tools, soil, seeds, and starts with many supplies also donated by local nurseries and individuals. Some sites even include established fruit trees.
The fruits and vegetables grown and harvested from IFM garden sites are placed directly into our produce bags, providing families with fresh, seasonal, nutrient-rich food.
Our Commitment
Whether purchased, donated, or grown, every item that goes into an IFM grocery bag is chosen with care. Our goal is not just to provide food but to provide wholesome, supplemental groceries that promote health, dignity, and stability for our neighbors in Nevada County.
