Everyone deserves good food. That fundamental belief drives High Desert Food & Farm Alliance’s work in Central Oregon. The Bend-based nonprofit serves more than 39,000 food-insecure residents in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties.
“Our mission is to support a healthy and thriving food and farm network in Central Oregon through collaboration, education and inclusivity,” says Carrie Mack, HDFFA’s Community Engagement Manager.
Market of Choice recently committed to being a sponsoring partner of HDFFA through March 2022, in support of the nonprofit’s several food access and agricultural support programs.
Farm Fresh, Locally Produced
HDFFA’s community programs rely on a wide web of connections.
Grow and Give, for example, partners with local farmers, ranchers and home gardeners to annually collect more than 15,000 pounds of fresh produce for the regional food bank distribution network.
Through Veggie Rx, HDFFA pairs one-on-one food education and fresh food options with folks facing food insecurity and diet-related diseases. The Veggie Rx program also connects local farmers with people who benefit from fresh food access.
In addition, each May, HDFFA publishes an annual food and farm directory, “Get a Taste,” in partnership with local farmers, ranchers and food businesses. The free community guide, available in print and via an app, connects people with local food and where to find it, including at Market of Choice. It’s even searchable by special dietary needs.
Making Connections Count
In committing to support HDFFA’s programs, Market of Choice not only continues to actively engage with the community’s food system, but also aims to expand its networking and engagement with the region’s food producers and ranchers.
These connections, in turn, will mean more local and regional products finding a place on Market of Choice shelves.
“This is something we’re really excited about and feel that there’s a lot of opportunity for growth in our relationship with Market of Choice,” Mack says about the benefits of Market of Choice connecting with HDFFA partners. “We’re really excited to increase the relationships they have with local food businesses and food producers to get even more local food products into the store.”
As an independent, family-owned Oregon grocer, our support of local farmers, ranchers, fisherfolk and food producers translates into more choices for our customers, healthier communities and a stronger statewide economy.
“We are so excited and proud to highlight Market of Choice as a sponsor of our organization this year,” Mack says. “They are a dedicated member of our community of members, who are dedicated to our mission, our program and projects.”
