Since the pandemic began, 75% of Farm Stand customers shared that COVID-19 has impacted their income, and many disclosed that they have been furloughed or laid off. It has been humbling to hear their stories.

We asked Farm Stand customers how COVID-19 has impacted their/their family's income. They shared:

• I heard about the Farm Stand through the Safe Parking program. I lost my job due to COVID-19 as the company closed. Now I am homeless and without an income. This Farm helps me access fresh, organic food – food I cannot otherwise afford – and not just low quality food!
• We  are currently not working, so we have less income and more social stress from loss of our community and friends. It is far less easy to access farmers markets now and no one wants to go into stores anymore. Honestly, my family is thriving with the pay-what-you-can system! We feel we can live the best quality life and we drive 2 hours just to get fresh, organic, discounted food.
• We now have reduced income. This Farm is wonderful for us – it is a lovely walk away, and provides us easy access to fresh and local food.
• I have not worked since March. It has been very tight with money, so affording fresh food is hard. The pay-what-you-can system is really awesome and helpful - especially in times like these.
• It is hard to give my children the food they need due to COVID. It has meant less snacks and smaller dinners. I was able to get almost a weeks’ worth of fresh veggies for my family today!
• We can no longer afford the things we used to and food prices have increased so much, we can’t afford fresh anymore.
• I have had to reroute my money for back-up medicine and other critical things due to my health and the quarantine. Unfortunately, I ran out before the end of the month.
• Lost my main income and I am not able to pay my rent!
• I heard about the Farm through STEP. COVID-19 has decreased our income and impacted our family’s ability to eat heathy veggies (versus canned and processed foods). The Farm Stand will help our family eat healthy at an affordable price for us!
• I was working two jobs, and now I just have one.
• In our household, one of us is self-employed and all of their work has stopped.
• We own several rental properties, both apartment buildings and commercial. Our tenants have all asked for rent reductions. We understand, but we still have all of our expenses including mortgages and taxes. We are not sure how we will manage it.
• Our child care closed, our daughter and my husband are working from home, but my daughter will be furloughed next week. I think my 401K is basically gone. Who knows what will happen!
• I bartend and help manage a restaurant in Solana Beach that is now closed until further notice.
• I am a hairdresser and our salon had to close.
• I have been laid off!
• We are now newly a single income home. We are a home of two teachers, and both schools are closed for the rest of the year. Opportunities for teaching next school year are likely jeopardized as well.
• I have been furloughed and have no income currently.
• I am have been temporarily laid off.
• One adult and one child lost jobs from our family. They are now having to apply for unemployment.
• I have no ability to access any work right now!
• Currently, there is no work for us because we work in the hospitality business. We are having a hard time paying rent and other basic stuff and are struggling financially.
• I am an independent contractor and now I no longer have any work.
• My only income is $1,150/month in disability and $197 in food stamps. Last year I made $2,400 so I have much less.
• I have no money for gas to get to the grocery store or for food when my food stamps run out.
• This has stopped all our income.
• My son is a bartender, so he is out of work. I am doing what I can and am helping to shop for seniors.
• It is difficult to pay rent and pay bills. The children are not in school, and there are a lot of expenses for food. (Translated from Spanish)
• I have no income at this time due to COVID-19.
• I am now unemployed.
• I was laid off work.
• My wife and I lost our jobs. We have no income!
• I am a freelance creative and all work has stopped.
• I am laid off my job until further notice.
• I am self-employed and have lost all of my income!
• Our son hasn't found work after recently moving out and there are now fewer options for him. My husband is working from home and we are right in the middle of moving (extra expenses) and will have a higher rent.
• Four out of our five family members are not working.
• I have lost my job.
• I am recently unemployed due to COVID-19.
• My father and two sisters are teachers, so are no longer working. I am not working either because of an illness due to mold poisoning. We are mostly quarantined.
• I am a massage therapist, so I am not working at all right now. No income!
• I am worried my housemate my not be able to pay his part of the rent and what that will mean for me/us.
• I am a gig worker, and now have no gigs!
• I am visually impaired and disabled. I worked part-time but my lost job due to the pandemic. I am trying to stay healthy.
• I am a single mom who recently lost my job due to COVID-19. I also recently fled from a domestic violence situation. I am struggling to make ends meet, especially find food for my kids who have food allergies. The Farm has been a huge help!
• My dad lost his job and my income was cut by half. Due to legal status, my dad cannot apply for unemployment. Right now, I am the only one with income.
• I have been laid off from both of my jobs.
• I work in the travel business and all work has completely stopped.
• I cannot find employment and cannot even interview!
• I can no longer work at my job.
• I have lost my income!
• I work as a substitute teacher and all of the schools are closed so I am out of work.
• I am unemployed and my family members are also not working.
• We have a startup which has now suffered a lot of setbacks.
• I am a freelance marketing/PR professional and have lost at least 1/3 of my income.
• All of my jobs have been cancelled since the middle of last month.
• 95% reduction in income for me (legal professional). 100% reduction in income for my husband (travel industry). Both of us are self-employed.
• It is just down to me as the only adult working in our home.
• I have been furloughed indefinitely.
• I am homeless in Encinitas, so thank you!
• I have no income now. I was forced to closed my business until further notice.
• I have had no income now for 3 weeks.
• I was recently laid off and had to resort to filing for unemployment.
• I am grateful for what you do and want to help support as much as I can while getting great, fresh produce. As a freelance graphic designer. Clients’ marketing budgets have been cut, so the payment of invoices and new projects has become completely unpredictable.
• Our family sells goods at fairs nationally. Since there have been no large gatherings since February, our income has been reduced to zero. We also have kids including a new baby. We have been quarantining and have not left home much since February. This is amazing and so appreciated. Thank you sincerely!
• Shopping at the Farm Stand has helped us eat fresh, local, organic produce, even through a pandemic (amazing), and put us in a happy mood. Plus, we get to hear the birds chipping at the Farm!
• My partner and I were both temporarily laid off due to Corona virus restrictions. He qualifies for more unemployment than I do. I have been delivering groceries to support myself and my son.
• Many individuals in our co-living home are self-employed and do not receive employer benefits and cannot continue their self-employed operations – so have no income.
• We are struggling to pay rent.
• It’s been hard to shop or find food. We are eating a lot of rice. We have a lot of food restrictions for different health reasons.
• My office is closed now and I am a full-time student who also works to support myself. I love what this farm is doing to help people in the community.
• My income has been significantly affected. As a freelance photographer, the next few months will be very challenging to pay my bills with no new work ahead.
• While the pay-what-you-can has not been needed for me prior to this, it is now and I greatly appreciate it.
• While at CSUSM, I had an opportunity to volunteer at the Farm. Today, while I am making less than I was before the shutdown, I would prefer to put my money where it matters. I think this service is so valuable that I don’t plan to take a discount today, but because my income is so unstable, I appreciate that this is available to me if I need it.
• I am on disability, but it’s barely enough to cover rent and food. I am high risk for COVID-19 complications because I already have lung issues. You make me feel safe, however, I usually stay in the car while a friend or my mom picks up my produce. I am 24 and disabled due to a congenital spine and connective tissue disorder. I am on disability and medical. Your program is the reason I can afford fresh, organic, healthy food. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
• Less money coming in means tighter budget for us. There is not a lot left over for fresh food. Today will get us mentally feeling better about having good, fresh food in our bodies. And, the pay-what-you-can program is just what we need financially!
• I am not working right now. Waiting on our stimulus help, unemployment applications. Both are stalled at this time by federal hiccups. Due to the diminished income, we have had to make choices to be careful how money is spent. Buying less expensive foods. We are blessed to not be as bad off as others are thus far. Access to fresh, organic food, without “confinement” to shopping with others who do not care for safe practices furing this crazy time and saving money is so helpful for us.
• I am afraid to go to the supermarket more than a few times a month, so thank you for this service!
• I lost my part time job, have less income, and am really appreciative to have access to good, healthy food
• Our work has been cut in half. We live in a high risk household for COVID illness. You make us feel safe (three of us!).
• I’ve lost half of my income. It has really hurt our family of 4. We really try to eat healthy and it is hard to afford to eat healthy with your income missing!
• I started a business in March – had to close doors with just two weeks of business. I lost almost everything. This is such a tremendous help as I wait and hope for assistance from the government.
• I am self-employed and my billable hours have been reduced to almost nothing. This allows me access to better quality produce than id be able to have right now.
• I live off of social security and two small part-time jobs – both of which I lost. I have very limited funds for food!
• We are on a tighter budget now and are now so much more aware of the price of the food that we eat! This Farm has helped us discover the local and organic food that is available to us – we have such a great community!
• I lost my work – I used to get food from CRC but they are not giving out as much now and they are giving out I cannot eat. I have arthritis and other inflammatory issues and need to be on a special diet to relieve pain. I have no money to spend on food and my social security goes to paying for essential bills. There is nothing left over for food, gas, medical, dental, etc.
• I have been left without work and some of my employees are understanding, others no, some giving a me bit of work, others nothing, and it has affected me a lot. It is very important to me be able to eat from your Farm, and for this I am very thankful from my heart. I have discovered the benefits of eating organic food but since I don’t earn enough, I have not been able to eat organic foods any more. Thank you so much! (Translated from Spanish)
• I am unable to return to work, but am not eligible for unemployment. I have decreased the number of meals and variety that I am eating. I have become more selective in buying produce because of cost versus the processed, non-perishables. This system allows me to ensure I am able to have fresh, organic produce in my diet and be less selective/worried about buying less to not go over budget.
• I was laid off of work. We can’t afford fresh food right now, so happy to give what donation we can.
• My husband’s job was cancelled – he works in construction in the Poway Unified School District. This is really helping us eat fresh food, especially at this time of the pandemic.
• I have been laid off of work. We are high risk and don’t go out much. We appreciate it being an open market with low prices on fresh food. Thank you!
• We are both seniors on fixed income and both had cancer this year to top it all off!
• My son and my husband have lost their incomes. Money is very tight for us now. The Farm Stand has helped us a lot!

We asked customers to share why they shop at our pay-what-you-can Farm Stand, and how it has helped them. They shared:

• Everything is absolutely wonderful. I think every city in this county need a farm like this.
• I can't find a job and I am struggling to pay rent. I have had to choose between food and rent. Because of the Farm Stand I can eat nutritious food and worry less about choosing between paying for my rent or my food.
• The pay-what-you-can Stand has been on one of the biggest gifts to me the past few months. Since fleeing domestic violence, I have had to provide for myself and my young children all alone. I go to 3 food banks a week but they rarely have fresh vegetables and most food we're unable to eat because of my kids' food allergies. Coastal Roots Farm provides the majority of what we eat and I don't know what I'd do without all of your help. Thank you!
• You are the answer to our prayers. I am a combat, disabled veteran. We would not get fresh produce without your help. After a massive stroke, I was told to eat fresh vegetables that I could not afford without your help. I only found out about you from the Coastal Newspaper. This is only our second visit and the food we have gotten is incredible!! We have never had food like this ever. You are great and we can't thank you enough! You made my wife cry (in a good way!)
• This is a huge help financially, yet emotionally too. The kindness of staff along with the fresh scent of the herbs took me back to my childhood. It was a much needed memory, especially at this time.
• The Farm Stand allows me to eat nutritious, locally-grown and organic food. My money goes a lot further at the Farm Stand than at the grocery store and I am super grateful to Coastal Roots Farm and all of the employees who make this possible!
• We are very grateful that you are providing healthy greens during the COVID-19 breakout in a safe way. It is dangerous for us to shop at stores right now. We are seniors my husband has some health conditions. Plus, I want to help address food insecurity for others as much as I can by shopping here.
• The past 18 months I've dealt with the biggest financial hardship since being an adult. I do my best to eat clean and healthy while also practicing sustainable practices. That became impossible this past year. I had to decide whether I was going to eat or put gas in my car. Then, I moved down to Encinitas and found Coastal Roots Farm and I was just blown away! I use the pay-what-you-can system when I need it, donate some when I can, and volunteer when I am healthy enough. Your programs have not only helped feed me, but have allowed me to feed my soul! This makes me proud to be Jewish! Thank you for all that you do!
• I haven't been going to the food pantry since the outbreak. And they never have fresh produce. They only put out the old, spoiled produce.
• I love supporting local, organic farms and not big grocery stores.
• This is our first time and we will pay the full price- however, if our current situation continues, we will be so grateful for the pay-what-you-can option! Thank you!
• I am lucky enough to be able to afford to pay for organic produce. I choose to support local farms like you, who are doing what you can to help those in need with quality food. Thank you!
• Huge fan of you all! This is Tikun Olam!
• I believe in supporting my health and my family's health with local (really local!!), dirty, organic food! I also want to support local farms and healthy farm practices. I support composting and regenerating goodness into the earth and soil. While becoming passionate about composting, a friend introduced me to the Farm a year ago, and I've been hooked every since. I will gladly give all that I have - as little as that may be - to support Coastal Roots Farm. Thank you!
• I shop at the Farm Stand to eat healthy!
• We love to eat fresh, organic produce. We love to support this community farm. We love to support our neighbors so that they can also eat healthy food!
• The Farm Stand makes it possible to consistently eat organic produce. Otherwise, I would eat smaller/fewer meals and mostly rice and lentils to get by. This allows me a much more balanced, nutrient-dense diet.
• We can eat organically because of the Farm Stand and it also helps us have more money to be able to budget our monthly expenses. Most importantly, though, it helps us eat healthy and fresh.
• Living in Leucadia isn’t inexpensive, but we love where we are and wouldn't change it. We eat organic only and try to grow our own when possible. We are very grateful for this Farm Stand!
• I have a very rare immune condition, and am a disabled senior on food stamps and with an income of just $1,150/month. I can't work. Currently, I am foraging mustard greens, thistle, fennel, and wild lettuces, which have been my food for the past two weeks. Oh, and on top of all of this - I am a Cocos Fire victim of 2014, where I lost all of my possessions, and, 16 tests later, still have arsenic in my body that I am trying to heal.
• Due to long-delayed yet promised completion of work orders since last May 2019, our family has had no discretionary funds. Work is going on, but not enough yet.
• This helps my family because it gives us access to fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables. Last year, my sister died of cancer and I learned about organic food and its benefits and that it is more healthy for our family and that organic food is free of pesticides. My sister lived more months because of healthy food, and for this reason, I look for the healthiest food for my family. Thank you for all that you do for my family! (Translated from Spanish)
• I love the Farm and the produce!
• I don't need the pay-what-you-can feature and always add more to my purchase because I really appreciate what you are doing for the community! Great Job!
• Great Mission!
• I am very grateful to work at Leichtag Commons and to have easy access to organic, sustainable, hyper local produce. I don't shop here enough, honestly. I come because I believe very strongly in the mission and pay the suggestion price because I am able to and so that other who can't don't have to!
• Thank you so much for being here! Great staff!
• Supporting a local, organic and meaningful nonprofit in the Encinitas community while nourishing my family with nutrient-dense, high fiber food is a priority and a win-win symbiotic, dynamic, ecosystem relationship!
• Our local groceries have had little selection for fresh produce due to COVID-19 and we are trying to support local businesses now. And eat more organic fruits and vegetables that are grown locally.
• COVID-19 has closed the farmers markets and yet, amazing, I still have a place to go to get fresh, local, organic produce. Thank you!
• I am so grateful to have this option since I would not be able to afford fresh organic fruits and vegetables if this Farm Stand wasn't available.
• This Farm Stand allows me to feed healthy food to my family. I could not afford it otherwise, thank you!
• I had no idea this was a pay-what-you-can Farm Stand that accepts EBT until we lost our 1.5 years of EBT. Our rent doubled and we pay almost $700/month towards health insurance. We had several emergencies last summer, fall, and winter that we didn't have savings for after not working when our son endured surgery for a brain tumor and was hospitalized for a month. So, we have a lot of debt. It is so sweet to have this space alleviate some of our expenses. It is also so nice being here and seeing such order and serenity, while also getting to truly enjoy the veggies and eggs. It is a gift in a time like this! Thank you!
• The main reason I shop here is to support this amazing project!
• Our first time at this beautiful Farm! Biggest, warmest thank you for being open! Thank you for your gracious, generous service to the community! I am so happy to have just found out you are here!
• I live in my truck and am not well. I am on disability and make no money. Finding out about this Farm is the best thing that has happened to me. It saved my life! I love the shopping experience and the people are so friendly. Thank you! I make sure to give when I can.
• Often, I cannot afford fresh, organic produce. However, the pay-what-you-can allows me to do so once in a while. I've made great meals out of  shopping here as well as grown my own from the starter plants I got here!
• Such a wonderful service. I am given and am on very fixed social security income.
• I have nothing to pay, so I absolutely need the $30 in free produce.
• I have stable housing for now - who knows what will happen...
• Often times I go hungry, I have been trying to forage weeks from gardens.
• I love what you are doing - I am so proud of all of you and what you do. Thank you!
• So happy you are being so safe and careful right now! Love being able to support others in this time as I am fortunate to still have a secure job. I love the cheerfulness and atmosphere. Thanks!
• I am a am a single mom who recently lost my job due to COVID-19. I also recently fled from a domestic violence situation. I am struggling to make ends meet, especially find food for my kids who have food allergies. The Farm has been a huge help!
• I attend CSUM and my Jewish History Professor told me about this pay-what-you-can Farm Stand because she is aware of my household situation and the financial instability I am experiencing due to COVID 19. This food will greatly help me bring produce to my family (21 year old female, Oceanside, Household of 5).
• The pay-what-you-can Stand has been on one of the biggest gifts to me the past few months. Since fleeing domestic violence, I've had to provide for myself and my young children all alone. I go to 3 food banks a week but they rarely have fresh vegetables and most food we're unable to eat because of my kids' food allergies. Coastal Roots provide the majority of what we eat and I don't know what I'd do without all of your help. Thank you!
• This helps so much - You are all such kind people working to support family members who are in need. Thank you so much for what you do. I really enjoy coming here and getting fresh produce to feed my family. Pay-what-you-can is a great way to encourage community and individuals to eat fresh, organic food within their budget. I am very thankful for the people who work at this Farm and in the Farm Stand!
• First time here. I have multiple health issues - including getting Lyme disease nearly 30 year ago that has caused all kinds of other health problems. I have spent $700,000 on treatment and insurance does not cover anything except the first short round of antibiotics.  So, I can definitely use the help and the fresh, organic produce for my health!
• This program has helped me keep food on my table even during tough times (even when I still had my business). Now it is absolutely necessary for me or I would have no food. Thank you SO much!
• The pay-what-you-can Farm Stand is very helpful for me especially since I am a college student. Organic foods can be expensive and this Farm Stand helps me stay within my financial means.
• I am a composter and come to visit the Farm some time ago to learn about worms, chickens, and composting. I LOVE this place and admire the people who carry on this mission.
• I provide organic produce, through gardening and management, at a small school in Laguna Beach. It is very important to me. I follow the Farm and have always loved your mission. Today, I brought my two young boys to see. I am a single mom and teacher, so without my position at the school, I would not be able to afford food like we have. I also think it is important and I enjoy giving back and supporting other small farms/food movement.
• We want to encourage farms in our community! Eating fresh, nutritional and incredible food should be every person’s right – not a privilege!
• This is a wonderful farm. I can eat healthy food – it has been a blessing. I have a special needs son (I am 77, he is an adult). This Farm is a true blessing. Thank you!
• I pay full price to support your program. I love everything you do. This Farm is my Sunday ‘church’, you guys walk the walk, caring for and feeding those in need!
• Coastal Roots Staff, I just wanted to write a note to say how very grateful I am for you, for the amazing nourishing food, the kind and helpful staff, and the beauty of your farm and how you care for it. Every time I unload a bag of produce from the Farm Stand, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude that I can enjoy and feed my family such wonderful food! Thank you for growing food with such care and thoughtfulness and for serving us and this community so well!
• I am at risk, so I am not able to get out and shop at grocery stores. This Farm helps to have quality produce at an affordable price.
• I am immunocompromised and must be very careful not to get COVID. This gives me safe access to fresh produce.
• This helps me provide real nutrition to my family’s diet!
• This uncertainty has our family stressed! Especially for our college age kids and we are close to retirement age. We are trying to support each other and get through this crisis as healthy as we can. Thank you for being here and for being open.
• The Farm Stand helps us to eat healthy and stay healthy!
• We love Coastal Roots Farm! Nice people, nice organization, nice produce (and eggs!)... We appreciate their incredible help to the community and to those in need.
• Smiling faces, respect for coronavirus protocols, upbeat music while you wait!
• Perfect set up to stay safe with social distancing. Thank you!
• Friendly, COVID responsible --wonderful healthy food made affordable for my budget. So grateful for Coastal Roots Farm!!!!
• These men and women care about their work, are good at it, and they care about their customers!

To learn more about our pay-what-you-can Farm Stand, click here. For up-to-date modifications to our programs during COVID-19, click here.