Making A Difference Foundation’s BIPOC Farm Fresh HUB: 2025 Network Funding Spotlight

Filed Under: Vibrant Community - Posted @ 8:38pm

Guiding Focus of Network  

Making A Difference Foundation’s BIPOC Farm Fresh HUB is a collaborative network designed to strengthen food sovereignty, economic opportunity, and long-term sustainability for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers and ranchers in Pierce County. The network focuses on shared infrastructure, technical assistance, market access, and peer learning to reduce barriers faced by small and microenterprise producers. 

How Network Was Formed 

The BIPOC Farm Fresh HUB was formed in response to persistent gaps in access to land, capital, cold storage, distribution infrastructure, and culturally responsive technical assistance for BIPOC farmers in Pierce County. Building on Making A Difference Foundation’s long-standing food access and community-based agriculture work, the HUB intentionally brought together small BIPOC producers, food system partners, and community organizations to create a shared space where farmers could collaborate rather than operate in isolation. The network emphasizes relationship-building, trust, and shared problem-solving alongside practical resource sharing. 

Shared Successes That Have Emerged From This Network 

Through the HUB, participating farmers have gained access to shared space, equipment, and infrastructure that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive. The network has strengthened peer-to-peer learning, increased coordination among growers, and supported the production of culturally relevant foods for the local community. Farmers report reduced isolation, increased confidence, and stronger connections to local food distribution channels, including food access programs serving low-income households. 

1-2 Big Goals Your Network is Hoping to Achieve in 2026 

1. Expand shared infrastructure and cold-storage capacity to support more participating farmers and increase production volume.  
2. Strengthen technical assistance and business development support so participating farmers can move toward building their own capacity and long-term financial sustainability. 

Advice For Others Looking to Leverage Networks to Help Build a Thriving Community

Challenges to Anticipate 

• Limited capacity among small organizations and farmers who are already stretched thin. 

• Balancing diverse needs, timelines, and levels of readiness within the network  

• Securing sustained funding for shared infrastructure and coordination 

Tips for Navigating Challenges 

• Build flexibility into timelines and expectations 

• Communicate often and transparently 

• Recognize that progress may be incremental and relationship-based rather than immediate 

How to Build Shared Goals 

• Shared goals emerge through consistent dialogue, collective decision-making, and centering the voices of those most impacted.
• Creating space for farmers to define success on their own terms helps align the network around realistic and meaningful outcomes. 

Any Additional Advice 

• Networks work best when relationships come first.
• Invest time in listening, building trust, and understanding each participant’s needs and capacity.
• Shared infrastructure and shared goals should grow out of those relationships, not be imposed from the top down.