South Wasco Alliance Celebrates One Year of Food Organizing!
In March 2020, we hosted a FEAST event (Food Education Agriculture Solutions Together) with Columbia Gorge Food Bank. This event was the kick-off for a new slough of programs and initiatives driven by the community, many of which we have supported. During the FEAST, we formed into action groups to find ways to make our food system visions happen. The groups discussed improving grower resources, increasing access to local food for all, and generating economic opportunities through our food system. Although we can’t all celebrate in person right now, let’s share the joy by spreading the word about these projects, expressing your enthusiasm in the comments below, and staying involved for the next year to come. Here’s an overview of some of the things those action groups have accomplished in the last year:
GROWER RESOURCES
In spring and summer 2020, the Larsells offered the community greenhouse space on their property at an affordable rate to encourage people to grow their own food and expand their season. Elizabeth Unti used the greenhouse space to launch a CSA-style pilot project for local customers.
Hilary Jensen created the South Wasco Gardeners Facebook group with local tips/support and Oregon State University Cooperative Extension resources. With 130 members a year later, the group has been a huge success for information sharing in our microclimate.
ACCESS TO LOCAL FOOD FOR ALL
In summer 2020, Gorge Grown Mobile Market started a twice monthly stop in Maupin. The Mobile Market brings fresh, regionally grown produce to South Wasco and gives South Wasco growers an opportunity to sell their produce elsewhere in the Gorge. The Mobile Market also offers a $10 SNAP match, making it a great option for families with tight food budgets to purchase healthy, fresh food.
The Barlow Gate Grange hosted several food preservation and DIY workshops, helping to increase education around healthy eating, food storage, and disaster resiliency.
Two groups of volunteers in Wamic and Maupin opened the Neighbor to Neighbor and Life Raft food pantries in spring 2020. These pantries now serve over a hundred families every month and have been a true lifeline during the pandemic.
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
In spring 2020, a group of small growers and farmers formed the South Wasco Specialty Farmers (SWSF). In 2020, SWSF sold produce at The Dalles Farmers Market and to the Mobile Market. In 2021, they’re looking to expand their customer base and help support the youth entrepreneur program.
The SWSF piloted a youth entrepreneur program at The Dalles Farmers Market in 2020. This year, South Wasco Alliance is partnering with South Wasco Youth Program to open the entrepreneur opportunity to more kids in the area. Stay tuned this spring to find out more!
