Our Mission

We cultivate the health, resilience and well-being of Jefferson County Students and their families.

Our current programs are focused around two themes:

The First is transforming food systems with our local schools. We call this initiative feed jefferson county, (food Education & Enterprise development.) School gardens and garden education, farm to Cafeteria, and career and technical education related to the food and farm economy are components of this work.

The second program area focuses on building a more resilient food system by identifying and innovating around gaps in infrastructure. This can include capital infrastructure that supports growing, storing, processing, and transporting, or it can include relational, network-based, or planning infrastructure.

Our History

The Community Wellness Project (CWP) began in 2007 to address health and nutrition issues in Jefferson County schools. For a few years CWP was known as the Jefferson Farm to School Coalition. Our work has included creating and maintaining school gardens, helping food service procure local organic food, and working with educators to enhance the curriculum with agriculture, nutrition, and culinary programs. Over the years we have been well positioned to tackle other school-related wellness projects, including sponsoring events, trainings, and teacher wellness initiatives.

During the COVID-19 pandemic CWP worked with other food-access nonprofits to strengthen the food safety net in Jefferson County. Over the years we have partnered with the Olympic Peninsula YMCA, Jefferson County Food Bank Association, Food Bank Growers, Backpacks for Kids, Nourishing Beloved Community, and others.

The Community Wellness Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. 

GOALS

To educate students, their families, school staff, and community members of the importance of childhood wellness, including nutrition:

  • To advocate for fresh, whole and seasonal foods in place of highly processed ones

  • To support the school board and administrators, food service providers and farmers to overcome barriers to buying and serving local and regionally grown foods

  • To assist in making school gardening projects successful

  • To promote efforts to offer vocational experiences in the culinary and agricultural arts, as well as a framework for entrepreneurship

  • To support classroom teachers and staff in developing projects and curriculum that promote overall wellness

STRATEGIES

  • Work hand in hand with our local farming communities to cultivate health and well being

  • Form partnerships with The Food Coop and organizations such as the Food Council to take advantage of fundraising and education opportunities

  • Write and/or administer local, state, and national grants

  • Raise philanthropic funds in a variety of ways (e.g., periodic fundraising campaigns, community outreach, farm-to-table dinners, or other educational events)

  • Inspire school staff to envision and carry out opportunities to bring healthy choices into the schools by offering Community Wellness Project mini-grants (e.g., gardens, food courses in the curriculum, and food service equipment that can take advantage of fresh and local food)