A No-Cost Farm Surplus Program to Aid Washington Food Banks Impacted by US Policy

To be perfectly honest I'm not feeling particularly sorry for Americans these days. Not only did they vote for the Trump administration, but their elected representatives have had multiple reasons and chances to impeach him, and repeatedly did not do so.

At any time they could have stopped the damage to America, but they instead continued to enable it.

Nevertheless, I did check with ChatGPT whether a combination of policies--specifically tariffs and ICE kidnappings--is likely to result in food insecurity soon. And combined with its research that BC farms produce more than our own food banks can handle, it seemed this is the time to get ready for just that outcome.

Instead of a complicated project, basically the proposal asks the government to set up a website. Farms post what they have available (after their own sales and the typical food bank donations), and charities in the adjacent US state of Washington arranges to pick it up. Hopefully:

• minimal bureaucracy
• even more reduced food waste
• minimal or no cost to the BC government or farmers

I guess we'll see just how much food insecurity really happens in the US this year despite doom-and-gloom reports of crops idle in the fields and fewer shipping containers landing in the US.

📧 Email Letter to the Premier of British Columbia

Subject: A No-Cost Farm Surplus Program to Aid Washington Food Banks Impacted by US Policy

Dear Premier [Last Name],

I’m writing to share a timely and low-cost opportunity for British Columbia to offer cross-border humanitarian support, should it become necessary in the coming months.

In 2025, the United States has introduced trade tariffs and intensified migrant deportation policies, both of which are projected to significantly reduce agricultural labor availability and disrupt fresh food imports. This combination is likely to result in seasonal food insecurity in certain US states, notably Washington.

British Columbia is uniquely positioned to respond constructively, using food that would otherwise go to waste. Many BC farms experience overproduction — food that is safe and nutritious but not economically viable to sell. This surplus, once local food bank needs are met, could be made available to verified Washington-based food charities who collect and transport it themselves, at no cost to the province or farmers.

This initiative would:

• Cost nothing to the province or participating farms;

• Avoid red tape or bureaucracy, relying on voluntary participation and a trust-based model;

• Have no impact on BC food bank supply, as only post-donation surplus would be listed;

• Support BC trucking companies, if US charities wish to contract them for transport;

• Offer British Columbia a dignified and diplomatic way to support our neighbors during a politically triggered food access crisis.

While Washington is the primary focus, the program may also indirectly benefit Alaskan communities that rely on Pacific Northwest supply chains.

This would not require a new government program or staffing. A seasonal pilot (e.g., August–October 2025) could be quietly prepared and announced if/when US food charities begin to signal distress. I’ve attached a proposed appendix that outlines how it could work in simple terms.

If helpful, this concept and all feasibility analysis were developed in consultation with ChatGPT, based on publicly available agricultural, labor, and policy data. I hope it’s useful to your office as a low-cost, goodwill-oriented option should the need arise.

With respect and thanks,
[Your Name]
[City], BC
[No reply required]

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📎 Appendix: Operational Framework for Farm Surplus Donation to Washington Charities (2025 Pilot)

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Purpose

To prepare a voluntary, zero-cost system for BC farms to donate overproduction (post-local use) to verified Washington food charities, in response to anticipated food insecurity caused by US domestic policy changes in 2025.

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Key Principles

• No cost to the Province or farms

• No impact on BC food bank supply

• No resale — food must go directly to charitable distribution

• No government bureaucracy required to coordinate participation

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Eligibility

BC Farms:

• Voluntary participation only.

• May offer only surplus remaining after satisfying BC food bank obligations (formally or informally).

• Must confirm produce is safe and non-commercial.

• May opt out at any time.

US Food Charities:

• Must be registered (e.g., IRS 501(c)(3)) and agree to no resale.

• Must arrange transport and handle all cross-border logistics.

• Must sign a basic self-certification form.

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Program Activation

The BC government may activate the program upon credible signs of US food insecurity, e.g.,:

• Widespread crop loss or unharvested fields due to labor shortages

• US food banks reporting supply gaps caused by tariffs or seasonal disruptions

This can be done through a brief ministerial advisory or press notice.

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How It Works

1. Farm Surplus Listing (BC):

   • Participating farms submit a short online form (possibly via an existing partner like FoodMesh or BC Agriculture Council).

   • Info includes type/amount of produce, storage/shelf life, and pickup details.

   • All listings represent true post-BC-use surplus.

2. Charity Enrollment (Washington):

   • Charities register once with identification and agree to conditions.

   • After approval, they may view current surplus availability.

3. Pickup and Transport:

   • Charities arrange refrigerated or standard transport.

   • Optional: They may contract BC trucking companies to assist.

   • Cross-border shipments marked clearly as “Non-commercial food donation – humanitarian use.”

4. Optional Donation Certificate:

   • Farms can include a simple form confirming donation volume and charity details for recordkeeping.

   • Optional: Charities may return a thank-you certificate for farm publicity.

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Additional Notes

• Alaska: While not a target recipient, this program could indirectly benefit Alaskan communities if food is staged in Washington before further transport.

• No long-term obligation: A pilot window (e.g., August to October 2025) allows the Province to assess viability before scaling or repeating.

• Media/branding: Naming of the program, if any, should be left to the BC government’s discretion.

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Benefits

• Rescues food that would otherwise be wasted.

• Helps Washington address hunger without interfering in US politics.

• Supports goodwill and trade relations in a turbulent year.

• May provide seasonal support for BC trucking/logistics companies without requiring new subsidies or public investment.

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