Launched by Food Tank and the James Beard Foundation, the first annual Good Food Org Guide identifies and celebrates more than five hundred United States-based groups who are cultivating a better food system, including these seven from Oregon:
The City of Portland’s Sustainable Food Program
The City of Portland’s Sustainable Food Program promotes community-supported agriculture (CSA) and farmers markets while providing a database of sustainable food and urban farming projects. Through this program, the city also supports policies and projects that increase community resilience and environmental health.
The High Desert Food & Farm Alliance
The High Desert Food & Farm Alliance (HDFFA), formerly the Central Oregon Food Policy Council, advocates for a community-based food system that will help farmers and consumers in central Oregon access fresh, healthy food and support sustainable farms. A volunteer organized nonprofit, HDFFA provides educational programs, connects farmers to grants and loans, and strives to build a strong partnership between consumers and farmers.
Oregon Food Bank distributes emergency food relief to its clients and leads statewide policy advocacy efforts to increase the access to resources for hungry families, nutrition education, and support for community food systems. The agency focuses on community organizing efforts to build a stronger local food system and education programs that teach low-income clients how to cook and eat healthy on a budget.
Oregon Rural Action has found its niche at the intersection of social justice, environmental stewardship, and agricultural sustainability. A grassroots organization, ORA’s 10,000 members advocate for large scale policies and field projects that help transition Oregon to a reliance on local food and sustainable energy.
Oregon Sustainable Agriculture Land Trust
Oregon Sustainable Agriculture Land Trust (OSALT) acts similarly to a traditional land trust, but focuses on agriculture. OSALT owns seven pieces of land in trust in the state of Oregon that will be used as farms and community gardens for research and education on sustainable agriculture. Individuals and businesses that struggled to maintain the land as a farm due to economic constraints can now cultivate land held in trust by OSALT.
Rogue Valley Farm to School (RVF2S) educates children about local agriculture through farm-based education programs and gardens. By increasing local foods in school meals and fostering an appreciation for local food systems, this Oregon-based organization strives to improve community economies and environments.
Urban Gleaners in Portland, OR addresses hunger by collecting edible waste food and bringing it to food distributors. Urban Gleaners relies predominantly on volunteers to pick up food and bring it to organizations, which include hunger relief agencies and schools in need.
