New local Food and Farm Directory out

As the growing season for Central Oregon is at its peak, a local food directory is available just in time to highlight the bounty of foods that are locally grown and produced.

You can find plump tomatoes, tender greens, oven?baked scones, and fresh spirits. To find where you can purchase these and many more Central Oregon delights, look no further than the 1st annual Food & Farm directory, which was released the week of August 20th.

A first of its kind in Central Oregon, the newly published directory is available at member locations, libraries, tourist offices and online. Nearly 15,000 have been distributed throughout the Central Oregon. The directory has a comprehensive list of the region’s farms, farmers markets and grocery stores that use or sell local farm and ranch products.

“We are blessed by a bounty of agricultural products,” states Katrina Van Dis, Central Oregon Food Policy Council (COFPC) Co?chair. “Although people believe you can’t grow food here, you can. There are many types of vegetables grown, plus you can find honey, flowers, herbs, meat and flour.” Just open the directory and you will find over 50 members highlighting local products.

The goal of the directory is to develop a community?based food system, which increases food security for the region and fosters relationships for farmers and food businesses.

“We hope to encourage people to support their local economy and the farmers that supply us healthy and fresh foods”, states Jane Sabin?Davis, board Treasurer.

“Not only will this directory be a resource for the community, but we hope it will also build relationships between farmers and restaurants so that local sourcing gets easier and less expensive for everyone.”

In order to be included in the directory, producers must be located in the tri?county region of Central Oregon, with a few exceptions such as Maupin and Kimberly.

Businesses must commit to local purchasing, for example participating restaurants must carry at least one local food item at all times and grocers must carry an average of 10 products per month.

The COFPC depends on input from consumers to set these standards and to determine whether businesses are keeping up with their commitment. The COFPC encourages consumers to use Facebook to share their experiences at participating restaurants and businesses.

To get involved, or to adopt?a?farmer or business and ensure the guidelines are being met, get involved with the Central Oregon Food Policy Council, a volunteer run organization.

A citizen?based advisory board to Central Oregon, the COFPC addresses issues regarding healthy food access, public policies and land use issues affecting food and farming, and provides outreach and education to the community.

The COFPC works in partnership with Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC) and the FoodRoutes Network with support from Meyer Memorial Trust to raise awareness about the benefits of buying local food.

For more information, contact the COFPC at 541?504?3307 or e-mail centraloregonfoodpolicy@gmail.com.

Visit the website at centraloregonfoodpolicy.org and click on “Eat Local.”