CA GROWN launches social media campaign to help California food banks

“We created this program to help raise the awareness about the importance of buying food grown locally, while at the same time providing that locally grown food to those in our community in need,” said Nick Matteis, executive director of the Buy California Marketing Agreement, which manages CA GROWN.

CA GROWN is partnering with the California Farm Bureau Federation’s (CFBF) Young Farmers and Ranchers to help coordinate the donations.

“We are very excited about our partnership with CA GROWN and expanding our annual contributions to food banks through the Feeding America Harvest for All program,” said Kevin Robertson, chairman of the CFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee.

Californians can participate by posting photos of meals at restaurants, or of anything grown or produced in California. CA GROWN also encourages people to take a picture with any products labeled CA GROWN, such as grapes, strawberries, eggs, flowers, etc.

The campaign, which will run through Oct. 31 will culminate in food donations at local food banks.  Hashtags will only be counted on accounts that do not have a privacy block. 

“It’s heartwarming to see the photos that people are posting on social media, it’s especially great to see young people getting involved,” said Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture Karen Ross. 

To view some of the photos, use #CAGrown to search Twitter and Instagram. 

CA GROWN has also launched a blog, www.cagrownblog.com where you can find out more about the hashtag program.  You can find CA GROWN on Facebook or on Twitter and Instagram @cagrownofficial.

The Buy California Marketing Agreement (BCMA) was formed in 1993 through a partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and commodity groups representing the state’s agriculture industry.  The purpose of BCMA is to emphasize our strong ties to the land and to our neighbors; to take pride in our homegrown products and our work; and to support our economy and our Californian way of life.