Our Story
What began as an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic has become a long-term commitment to nourishing Wayne County — one family, one farm, one season at a time.
In early 2020, the Wayne County Commissioners, community leaders, the Wayne County Food Pantry System, and the Wayne County Community Foundation came together to ensure local families had access to food during the crisis.
Fresh produce, milk, and eggs were purchased from local farms and shared through pop-up sites across the county.
The response was immediate — and deeply needed.
What started as short-term relief has grown into the Wayne County Farms to Families Fund, a community-driven effort to strengthen our local food system and make sure every neighbor has access to nutritious, locally grown food.
The Wayne County Community Foundation manages the Fund, and fundraising efforts are led by the Farms to Families Fundraising Committee.
Food is not a privilege.
It is a right.
Join us in providing food to our neighbors while supporting local farmers.
Our History: From Relief to Resilience
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, food insecurity in Wayne County rose sharply. Many families — some for the first time — could not provide for themselves. Farmers faced markets closing.
In response, Wayne County Commissioners partnered with the Wayne County Community Foundation and the Food Pantry System to launch the Emergency Relief Program, raising over $100,000 to provide food for those in need while supporting local farms.
What began as emergency action quickly grew into a determination to innovate: building new infrastructure, expanding volunteer efforts, and strengthening collaboration across the county.
As the crisis eased, the program was rebranded as Farms to Families — transforming short-term relief into a long-term commitment to nourishing Wayne County with farm-fresh food, dignity, and care.
Who We Serve
The Farms to Families Fund serves the Wayne County Food Pantry System by providing farm-fresh food, which is then shared with families across the county who are experiencing food insecurity.
Through five monthly pantry sites in Honesdale, Lakeville, Newfoundland, Lakewood, and Damascus, the Pantry System reaches more than 450 households with both shelf-stable goods and fresh, local food.
Real Stories. Real Impact.
“This Emergency Food Relief Program was a Godsend. It helped our family more than you could imagine. Thank you again, and God bless.”
— Wayne County Resident
“Your program helped me fill my cabinets when I couldn’t get out. I live alone, and I don’t drive anymore. The fresh food made all the difference.”
— Senior Pantry Recipient
“We’re both in our 80s, and not having to go into the grocery store during the pandemic was a great help. The fresh milk and vegetables were such a gift. Thank you.”
— Lakewood Couple
Why It Matters
Food is more than survival — it’s nourishment, comfort, and care.
In a rural county like ours, food insecurity often hides in plain sight. Many families are just one unexpected expense away from an empty fridge.
By sourcing food directly from Wayne County farms, we don’t just fill plates — we support local agriculture, preserve rural livelihoods, and improve the health and well-being of our neighbors.
Fresh food restores dignity. Local farms builds resilience.
This work is how we take care of each other.
Our Vision
We believe Wayne County can be a model for what it means to feed our own — with heart, with integrity, and with community at the center.
That’s why we’ve set a bold but achievable goal:
Raise $100,000 annually to purchase local food for our pantries and programs.
We see a future where every family has reliable access to healthy food, farmers are supported year-round, and food security is not a privilege — but a shared commitment.
Together, we’ve…
Served over 450 households
Supported 12+ local farms
Delivered thousands of pounds of fresh food
Logged more than 3,000 volunteer hours
And we’re just getting started.
Real Stories. Real Impact.
“Being 85 and living on Social Security, this was truly a blessing. I was able to stay safe and still have good food. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
— Elderly Recipient
“The food helped feed my kids when we couldn’t get out to get anything. We also use the pantry, and this made it possible to stretch our dollars to cover heat and electric.”
— Wayne County Parent
“The fresh milk from the farm in Waymart and the volunteers’ kindness meant the world to us. We have two heart patients in the house, and this made a real difference.”
— Local Caregiver
Our Core Values
Community Collaboration
We build strong relationships between local farms, the Wayne County Food Pantry System, volunteers, donors, and community partners to create a resilient food system.
Economic Impact
We strengthen our local economy by purchasing directly from Wayne County farms — supporting growers while feeding families.
Nutrition & Health
We prioritize access to fresh, nutritious food because good health begins with good nourishment. Everyone deserves that.