Welcome to Friends of the Farms—where community, conservation, and cultivation come together to nourish Bainbridge Island.
We invite you to explore our programs by clicking on the links and below and discover how your support makes a tangible difference in building a resilient, equitable food ecosystem on Bainbridge Island.
Together, we can cultivate a thriving local food economy that benefits us all.
In response to significant federal funding cuts affecting both farmers and food banks, Shared Harvest sources food directly from local farmers and delivers it to the shelves of Helpline House, our local food bank. This program supports both our agricultural community and families in need by providing healthy, farm-fresh produce, meat, and eggs ensuring access, dignity, and long-term well-being to neighbors in need.
In 2012, we were honored to have been chosen as managers of COBI’s 60-acres of publicly owned farmland and infrastructure, but after 12 years in that role, time came to transfer the responsibility back to COBI.
This allows us to laser focus on our mission: To ensure the future of local farming and build a healthier community, through a resilient and equitable food ecosystem.
In 2024, we signed a new 5-year License Agreement to provide programming and community engagement at Johnson and Morales Farms and the Native Food Forest where, with our own funding, we ensure people of all ages, means, and abilities can share the gift of these farms to our community.
Affordable Housing for Farm Interns and Farmworkers — Recognizing the importance of accessible housing, we provide affordable living options for those who work tirelessly to sustain our agricultural community.
Rain Garden Restoration at Morales Farm — Our environmental initiatives include restoring rain gardens to promote sustainable water management and ecological health.
Johnson Farm — Friends of the Farms provides programming and community engagement opportunities at this historic 14.5 acre parcel owned by the City of Banibridge Island. This jewel of a property is open to the public 365 days a year and is one of only a few off-leash dog areas on the island. Wander the trails, picnic in the grass, sit by the pond, and free-forage in the orchard and take home apples, pears, and plums. Visit our Little Lending Library and browse book and magazines on farming, gardening, and cooking. Want to hold an event on the farm? Contact heather.burger@friendsofthefarms.org.
Johnson Farm P-Patch — We support community gardening through the Johnson Farm P-Patch, allowing residents to cultivate their own plots and engage with local agriculture.
Little Lending Library — Books, magazines, puzzles, handmade bookmarks, and more are nestled in the red shed at Johnson Farm. Kick back in an Adirondack chair and enjoy views of the farm.
Johnson Farm Orchard Restoration & Maintenance by Bainbridge Island Fruit Club — In collaboration with the Bainbridge Island Fruit Club, we work to restore and maintain the historic orchard at Johnson Farm.
La Rhonda — For the past four years, students gathered at Johnson Farm for the La Ronda Spanish Immersion Camp ¡Vamos a Jugar! (Let’s Play!), led by Mabi Gutarra
Persephone Farm CSA and Kitsap Fresh Pickup at Johnson Farm — Friends of the Farms is proud to support local farmers and expand access to fresh, local food at Johnson Farm. Longtime farmer Rebecca Slattery of Persephone Farm shares space with Kitsap Fresh in the green shed on the upper farm.
Kitsap Fresh Orders: Order online at kitsapfresh.com and pick up your items on Wednesdays between 4:00 and 6:00 PM.
Persephone Farm CSA Pickups: CSA members can pick up their shares on Wednesdays from 3:00 PM until dark, and throughout the day on Thursdays. Learn more and join at persephonefarm.com.
The Bainbridge Island Native Food Forest — The BINFF is open to the public 365 days a year, sunup to sundown, and is utilized by walkers, birders, hikers, runners, nature lovers, and students. The trails are used daily by many of the 90 households within walking distance and is very popular as one of the Island’s few public off-leash areas for dogs.
Bainbridge Prepares — Friends of the Farms supports the Food Resilience Team at Bainbridge Prepares and leads the Food Access and Equity working group within the City of Bainbridge island’s Functional Access and Needs Committee.
Film Festival — Through cultural events like our film festival, we engage the community in conversations about agriculture, sustainability, and local food systems.