BEND, Ore. — The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance (HDFFA) has earned funding from Travel Oregon through a competitive grant process. They are part of an initiative that awarded nearly $6.2 million to 65 organizations statewide, with HDFFA receiving $120,385. You can find more details on the grant here.
HDFFA plans to use this funding for its “Taste Central Oregon” campaign. The goal? To educate residents and visitors about the importance of supporting local farmers by buying locally sourced food.
In addition, HDFFA received support from Republic Services for its Grow and Give program. This initiative, running for ten years, focuses on reducing food waste and providing fresh produce to those facing food insecurity in Central Oregon. They collect surplus food and deliver it to organizations like NeighborImpact and Family Kitchen. Farmers are reimbursed for this excess produce, giving them a financial boost and strengthening the local food system.
To further this mission, a grant from The Environmental Center’s Innovation Fund will launch the “Perfectly Imperfect Produce” program this summer. This program will focus on celebrating food that may not look perfect but is still delicious. Attendees can sample this produce at the HDFFA’s booth at the Northwest Crossing Farmers Market.
Sharon Maier-Kennelly, HDFFA’s Executive Director, expressed her excitement, stating, “With this funding, we can continue our efforts to promote local food and reduce waste.”
HDFFA is a non-profit organization serving Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties, alongside the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Their mission is to create a thriving network of healthy food and farming through education and collaboration. For more information, visit hdffa.org.
Supporting local agriculture is more than just a trend; it fosters community resilience. Studies show that every dollar spent on local food can generate three times the economic impact compared to national chains. This supports families, keeps money in the community, and encourages sustainable practices.
As we grow accustomed to global supply chains, local food movements remind us of the power of community. The energy behind campaigns like “Taste Central Oregon” can inspire similar actions nationwide, showcasing how grassroots efforts can lead to significant changes in local economies.
