High Desert Food & Farm Alliance pays $12K to farmer partners in donation program
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- In response to COVID-19, the High Desert Food & Farm Alliance has raised $12,500 in emergency grant funds to pay farmer partners for the produce they contribute to HDFFA’s Grow & Give Program.
Funding to pay farmers was awarded through The Oregon Community Foundation, Northwest Farm Credit Services and the Central Oregon Health Council.
HDFFA is using the $12,500 awarded to help offset farmers’ costs of production and increase their income, while also increasing the amount of fresh produce collected for HDFFA’s Grow & Give Program.
A fresh food donation program, Grow & Give is the only program of its kind in Central Oregon. Each year, 15,000 pounds or more of fresh, locally grown food is collected and distributed through the regional food bank, NeighborImpact.
HDFFA collects produce from local farmers, gardeners and community members to improve accessibility to fresh food.
In an average year, 1 in 8 Oregonians experiences food insecurity, which is defined as a lack of consistent access to nutritious, culturally appropriate foods.
The Grow & Give Program helps to improve equitable food access for Central Oregonians in the tri-county area. To date, HDFFA has donated 60,000 pounds to NeighborImpact; in 2019, Grow & Give donations served over 40% of their clients.
Visit HDFFA’s Grow & Give Program at the downtown Bend Farmers Market (Wednesdays, 2-6 pm) and the NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market (Saturdays starting June 20th, 10am-2pm). Fresh produce or monetary donations can also be made through the Redmond Farmers Market (on Tuesdays) and the Sisters Farmers Market (on Sundays). If you have questions or wish to donate, contact Rachel Levy (rachel@hdffa.org).
The High Desert Food & Farm Alliance is a 501(c)3 non-profit serving Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties as well as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. HDFFA’s mission is to support a healthy and thriving food & farm network through education, collaboration and inclusivity. For more info visit hdffa.org.
