Covid19 continues to have an unimaginable impact on the Hmong farmers as they try to find markets and buyers for their iconic fresh cut flowers. Our grassroots effort makeshift market took a break between the peony season and the arrival of the dahlias. Having had a chance to catch our breath, it is hard to believe all that happened from March 25th to the end of June. It almost feels like a dream, but looking through all the images shared in the Facebook page, I am reminded it really did happen. With the incredible support and enthusiasm of the greater Seattle community and unforgettable, never-done-before coordination of Hmong farmers throughout the Snoqualmie Valley, we were able to source and sell over 21,000 dozen bouquets from 53 farming families. Day after day, we experienced countless acts of kindness and generosity from the farmers, frontline workers and the Seattle/Eastside community-at-large. Those challenging and inspiring 10 weeks are ones myself, my friend Xee Yang-Schell and farmer/coordinator Vikki Cha will hold in our hearts forever.
With the arrival of the dahlias, we are almost back to square one of the grassroots effort. But, thanks to more support from our community, we are ready to see if we can increase the flower sales again through the end of the flower season. We have improved our infrastructure to accommodate orders and not be 100% reliant on volunteer hosts. A kind individual, Taylor B., who first purchased tulips for his anniversary, built a website to help manage the complicated system and Pagliacci Pizza owner, Matt Galvin, generously agreed to have their locations be pick up sites.
As we attempt to reignite this effort again, we are not able to source from many farmers. The Hmong farmers’ sales are down 80% from their annual average and we want hope to increase their sales as much as possible. Moving into Covid Phase 2 allows the farmers small openings to sell around the city, but they still struggle to find the market with the limited movement of people.
In order to make an impact before the end of the flower season WE NEED YOU!! Please consider placing your order online today and sharing the web address, flowerpowerseattle.com, with everyone you know. We have only a few months to help support the farmers before the first fall frost decimates their prized flowers.
Current pick up locations/days:
- BELLEVUE Tuesday 10-4
- MERCER ISLAND Wednesday 10-3
- WEST SEATTLE Thursday 10-3
- BALLARD Friday 10-3
- CAPITOL HILL Friday 4-5
- MADISON PARK Saturday & Sunday 10-3
Get flowers to brighten your home and more to give as gifts to friends and strangers. Stay safe and spread the #FlowerPowerofLOVE –Tara Clark