In a town like Ashland, neighbors matter. So do full cupboards, warm meals, and shared responsibility. Since 2009, the Ashland Food Project has worked to make sure no one in our community faces hunger alone. Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, more than 2 million pounds of food have been delivered to the Ashland Community Food Bank, one green bag at a time.
Now, it’s time to grow that good.
What Is “Ask a Friend”?
Ask a Friend is our new community-powered initiative to keep the Food Project strong and sustainable. While we currently have a dedicated base of over 2,400 food donors, we naturally lose a few each year due to life transitions like moving or aging. To keep our impact steady and even expand it, we’re reaching out to the heart of this movement…you.
Each current donor is encouraged to invite someone in their circle to join the Food Project. A friend, a neighbor, a coworker, a fellow parent at the soccer game, this is about extending the invitation to be part of something simple, local, and impactful.
How Does It Work?
If you’re a current donor, you likely noticed a bright green Ask a Friend card on your doorknob during the October pickup. The front of the card includes talking points to help you start the conversation, and the back includes a space to jot down contact info for your potential new donor.
Once you’ve got a yes, head to the sign-up form and enter their information directly. We ask that you do this step yourself, so there’s no delay or uncertainty about getting them into the system and welcomed properly.
Why This Matters
The Ashland Community Food Bank currently serves more than 1,200 people every month, a number that continues to rise. From families facing short-term crises to seniors on fixed incomes, the need is growing. In 2024 alone, the Food Bank distributed over 672,000 pounds of food and nearly 30% of that came from Ashland Food Project donors.
By inviting just one more person to join, you help secure the future of this vital resource for Ashland.
Not a Donor Yet? We’d Love to Have You.
You don’t have to wait for someone to ask you. If you’re learning about the Food Project for the first time, or you’ve been meaning to sign up, now is the perfect moment. Just fill out the quick form to get started.
It’s More Than a Green Bag
It’s a movement rooted in kindness, consistency, and community. Thank you to all our donors, and especially to our 125 Neighborhood Coordinators who help keep this engine running. You make Ashland stronger, one bag, one friend, and one act of generosity at a time.