Connecting Farmers with Communities in Need: How Our Local Food Program is Making a Difference

A local food program is changing how farmers connect with people in need. The Food for Health initiative aims to make fresh, seasonal food accessible to families who often feel priced out.

In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, many low-income residents struggle to reach farmers markets or can’t afford the prices. Laura Bennett, a farmer in Corvallis, highlights this issue. “They’re just too expensive,” she says, pointing out that small-scale farms often cater to wealthier clients, which isn’t the goal for many farmers.

Over the past two years, Food for Health has stepped in to bridge this gap. The program gathers food from local farms and distributes it to families identified by social service organizations. Diego Nieto, a food systems coordinator for Linn County, explains, “This is a way to meet people where they are.”

Food pantries usually provide shelf-stable items that can be easily stored, so many families don’t expect fresh produce and meat. “People are really surprised,” Nieto shares. “They’re not used to seeing hyper-local, seasonal food.” The program maintains strict refrigeration requirements for the food, ensuring freshness. They even send text alerts to recipients about delivery times to minimize spoilage.

Food for Health began last year with a $10,000 grant from the American Heart Association. Now, thanks to additional funding of $75,000, they deliver around 300 boxes monthly, reaching various clients, including teen parents and seniors. “We’re trying to target families experiencing food insecurity,” says Nieto.

Nutrition plays a critical role in health. Poor diets are linked to issues like diabetes and heart disease. Bennett emphasizes that receiving these food boxes is not just a handout but also a form of preventive healthcare. “Preventative care is always cheaper than treatment,” she notes.

The Ejido Oso farm, where Bennett works, grows crops familiar to families from Southern Mexico and Guatemala. “We’re not trying to shove kale down everyone’s throats,” she says, recognizing that everyone has foods that resonate with their culture.

It’s striking that many agricultural workers in the region face food insecurity despite contributing to the local economy. “If this program should happen anywhere, it should happen in the Willamette Valley,” Bennett adds.

Building trust within the Latino community has been crucial to the program’s effectiveness. Many participants have roots in areas where these crops are native. Nieto praises Bennett’s ability to foster those relationships, saying, “She’s been able to build trust that many people struggle to do.”

Currently, the program is at full capacity, but Nieto sees significant potential for growth. More funding, farmers, and outreach could allow Food for Health to serve even more people. “Hopefully, there can be more partnerships like this,” he says, envisioning a future where local food systems thrive alongside public health efforts.

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