Rural FOOD SECURITY

HDFFA keeps people at the forefront to develop innovative, effective solutions to community issues. In 2022, we created the role of Rural Food Security Coordinator to build relationships in rural communities and learn how best to address food insecurity. In this role, Emily Ralston takes time to meet with farmers, health care workers, local politicians, and passionate community members across the region

FEAST (FOOD, EDUCATION, AGRICULTURE, SOLUTIONS TOGETHER)

FEAST is an Oregon Food Bank (OFB) project to move communities into action towards just and resilient food systems.

At the first Central Oregon FEAST in 2017, Prineville community members came together to build food security. Crook County on the Move was formed to build connections and encourage a healthy lifestyle in Crook County.

In 2021–22, HDFFA and OFB supported a FEAST event in Sisters. Community members shared a meal and discussed the local food system. This led to collaborative and creative solutions, including the K-12 School Garden Curriculum Project.

HDFFA continues to collaborate with rural communities through the 2023 FEAST in Madras to connect members of each sector of the food system. This project will foster conversation around access to local, nutritious food.

Rural Community Leaders Strengthening Food Security

HDFFA, the Crook County Health Department, and the Central Oregon Health Council work with rural communities to address nutrition and food security. In 2021, with funding from the Center for Disease Control, these partners formed a coalition of community members, clinics, and organizations working towards food equity. This team includes representatives of Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, and Northern Klamath counties. Each group created a work plan specific to the culture, geography, and other factors that influence community health and well-being.

This collaborative project helped communities to identify and reframe issues and develop potential solutions to some of the most pressing community needs, while also learning what regional assets they can leverage. HDFFA will work with community leaders to support the implementation of their plans to strengthen food security.

CENTRAL OREGON’S

Locally G Rown Foods

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