A Freeland business’ challenge helped raise over $35,000 for the Fresh Food on the Table program at Good Cheer Food Bank, the non-profit group announced recently.

Over 100 community members donated more than $25,000 to secure the matching amount, provided by Lucas Jushinski, owner of Alternative Medicine.

“It was a testament of faith in Good Cheer’s and Lucas Jushinski’s efforts to help make our community a healthier place to live,” a recent news release said.

“Good Cheer Food Bank appreciates the outpouring of support for bringing healthier food into our food bank as well as bringing healthier choices into our local school cafeterias.”

This money will be used to continue growing organic produce in the Good Cheer garden for food bank clients. It will also be used to help fund the program run in partnership with the Whidbey Island Community Education Center and South Whidbey School District to bring fresh produce from the school gardens to the school cafeterias in South End public schools.

The program also purchases fresh produce from local growers through the winter to supply the Good Cheer Food Bank and support farmers.