Community
We are an active part of our local community
One of the issues closest to our hearts is advocating for organic, wholesome foods and nutrition. Another is protecting family farms. To that end, we support organizations that work in the areas of sustainability, food and organic agriculture through donations and sponsorships. These efforts have introduced us to great friends over the years — amazing people who have started organizations and, often, whole movements.
Building a better food system, together
Every year, Straus Family Creamery donates to community partners to help make our food system more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous. Together, we are building a better farming and food system.
A few of our featured organizations
Marin Agricultural Land Trust
We have a tradition of donating a portion of glass bottle sales to the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT)—the first farmland trust in the nation —was co-founded by Ellen Straus and Phyllis Faber. We gave a total of $14,000 in 2020, helping MALT protect 54,000 acres of farmland in West Marin.
La Cocina
In 2020, we donated $1,000 in a holiday giving campaign to support La Cocina, an incubator program in San Francisco that empowers immigrants and women of color to become successful food entrepreneurs.
Redwood Empire Food Bank
We provided 174,000 pounds of product to the Redwood Empire Food Bank in 2020, helping to meet a 79% increase in demand due to Covid-19 and feeding more than 100,000 families across Northern California.
We also are proud to support the following leaders who do great work in their communities and strive to effect social change:
Let'S COOK TOGETHER
18 Reasons empowers local communities with the confidence and creativity to buy, cook, and eat good food every day.
EXPLORE California
The California Cheese Trail map and app were created to promote artisan cheesemakers and family farmers, providing the only channels that connect people directly to the cheesemakers, their tours, cheesemaking classes, and cheese events throughout California.
ARTISAN ORGANIC CHEESE
In 1997 Sue Conley and Peggy Smith opened Cowgirl Creamery in Pt. Reyes Station. Straus Family Creamery has been a supporter of their award-winning artisan cheeses since day one. For 25 years, we were one of their organic milk suppliers.
EDUCATION. FARMERS MARKETS. COMMUNITY.
Foodwise (formerly CUESA) is dedicated to cultivating a sustainable food system through the operation of farmers’ markets and educational programs.
The mission of the Edible Schoolyard Project is to build and share a food curriculum for all schools, envisioning this “edible education” as part of the core curriculum of every school in the country.
Healthy Food for Everyone
Petaluma Bounty is committed to improving the quality of food offered by emergency food distributors through the Bounty Hunters gleaning program. The organization is increasing low-income consumers’ purchasing power through local affordable food incentives.
Launched in the Bay Area in 2006, Sprouts Cooking Club teaches children from all socioeconomic, physical and mental health backgrounds the importance of healthy, nutritional foods through hands-on cooking with REAL chefs using REAL ingredients in REAL restaurants.