Our Roots: Tandem Organic Farm in Davis
Did you know that Tandem has an organic farm right here in Davis?
One of Tandem’s owners, John Whitcombe, grew up in Davis and spent his weekends taking pumpkins and corn to the then newly established Davis Farmers Market with his mother, Marie Whitcombe.
John’s mother, Marie Whitcombe, began attending the University Farm (now known as UC Davis) in 1934. She and her husband, Harry Whitcombe, owned a beekeeping business that served farmers throughout Yolo County.
The Whitcombe family also grew pumpkins and corn which they sold along with their local honey at the Davis Farmers Market each week. Later, contributions from the Whitcombe’s children allowed for improvements to the south end of Central Park in Davis. A plaque commemorating Marie is now located at the Marie Whitcombe Plaza in the park.
Long after his days harvesting in the Davis fields with his parents, John continued his love for farming as a hobby on his property in North Davis.
Today, that productive acreage has grown into the Tandem Organic Farm. The farm provides thousands of pounds of fresh organic produce for The Yolo Food Bank and the UC Davis Fruit and Veggie Up program each year.
Tandem Organic Farm donated 35,610 pounds of produce in 2018 alone– 18,165 pounds to The Yolo Food Bank and 17,445 pounds to UC Davis Fruit and Veggie Up. Any UC Davis student can show a valid student ID on Fruit and Veggie Up days at the Aggie Compass center in the UC Davis Memorial Union and receive free fresh produce each week.
The Yolo Food Bank website provides additional resource listings for anyone in need of food assistance, including produce donated from Tandem Organic Farm and other partner organizations.
We are proud to support these important efforts to stamp out hunger at UC Davis and throughout Yolo County.
Want To Help Out?
Join Tandem in our efforts to love where we live. Donate to UC Davis’ Aggie Compass with a one-time or recurring donation to help UC Davis students fulfill their basic needs. Or, consider donating $1.00 to fund 3 meals through the Yolo Food Bank.