Red Wiggler Foundation Inc.

“Directors jim hochron and jean hochron have a family relationship.”

“Form 990 is prepared by an independent cpa, reviewed by the executive director and the board before it is filed.”

“During board meetings any potential conflicts of interest are inquired about.”

“The board's governance committee researches 3 sources of comparable data of similar area executive directors which the entire board uses to determine appropriate salaries during the annual board budget meetings.”

“Governing documents and financial statements are available to public upon request.”

“Description of exempt purpose achievements red wiggler is a sustainable farm where people with and without developmental disabilities come together to work, learn and grow healthy food. In fiscal year 2017 over 2,000 youth and adults with and without disabilities were impacted by our inclusive farm-based programs. Growers worked a total of 6,409 hours, earning a total of $71,104, marking a 10% increase in wages from fy16. 636 youth with and without disabilities participated in our education and service learning programs 329 adults with disabilities living in 102 group homes received red wiggler vegetables 43% of the farm's produce was delviered to low-income households. 1. Grower program: red wiggler provides inclusive employment opportunities in all parts of farm operations for 15 adults with developmental disabilities. These employees, known as growers, gain a professional identity as farmers and find meaning in the business of cultivating, selling, and distributing healthy food. Through the year, growers work in every phase of production, including greenhouse operation, planting, field maintenance, harvesting, post-harvest handling, tool and facilities maintenance, and microgreen production. Staff and growers work together to set yearly goals to promote growers' vocational and social development. Farming skills are tracked starting with introduction to a skill and culminating in the ability to lead a group performing that skill. Growers' goals also include appropriate customer and coworker interactions and job readiness skills. Growers work alongside staff and service learning participants, learn about other farming methods on trips to nearby farms, participate in local community activities, and interact with csa and farm market customers, encouraging the growth of an inclusive community. 2. Education program: red wiggler hosts field trips, farm tours, consultations, and workshops for youth and adults with and without developmental disabilities. Through lessons and hands-on activities in and around the fields, red wiggler provides tools for and inspires environmental stewardship and healthy eating in each participant. 3. Service learning program: red wiggler provides inclusive volunteer opportunities to youth and adults with and without developmental disabilities. Volunteers gain knowledge and technical skills working side by side with growers, inspiring environmental stewardship and healthy eating in each participant. 4. Csa program: red wiggler's three-part csa program provides vegetables to individuals in the immediate community and social service organizations that serve low-income individuals and adults with developmental disabilities. Customers receive weekly shares of certified organic produce, as well as newsletters and recipes that promote healthy eating and environmental stewardship. Through our programs, we are committed to providing 30% of our produce to low-income households. A. Gourmet share: broken into three seasons, individuals from the community purchase these shares and come to the farm weekly throughout the season to pick up their share of food. B. Farm to group home (f2gh): through a partnership with three social service agencies in montgomery county, red wiggler provides produce to residents and staff living in group homes. Vegetables are distributed both as individual household shares and in bulk deliveries to the agencies to be distributed appropriately. C. Farm to food bank (f2fb): a contract with manna food center allows red wiggler to make regular deliveries of fresh vegetables to low-income residents in montgomery county. Through regular bulk vegetable deliveries, manna food center distributes these fresh organic vegetables to those in need.”