In the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Mandela Partners is doubling down on our efforts to support local residents, farmers, workers, and our network of small businesses whose health and economic livelihood has become even more threatened. To provide relief throughout the next three months of this crisis, Mandela Partners is raising $35,000 to support the following relief efforts:

• Provide income to our network of sustainable growers through the purchase of harvested produce to be distributed through our emergency response food program
   

• Offer free produce boxes, CSA-style bags of mixed fruits & vegetables, and lightly processed meal kits to most at risk community members through a network of community hubs & partners
   

• Provide supplemental wages to Mandela staff, Oak Harvest Kitchen employees, as well as trainee stipends to account for income loss
   

• Support Ashland Market & Cafe vendors by pausing loan payments, waiving monthly rent, providing utility subsidies, and other sales generating support
   

• Utilize Oak Harvest Kitchen, and cover operations costs, to prepare lightly processed meal kits for our emergency response food program. 

Now more than ever, we deeply appreciate your support in helping protect the most vulnerable members of our community. We stand in solidarity with our community, and are hopeful about the future ahead.