We are leading in Farm to School procurement across the state and are developing the processes needed to replicate our programming in other parts of Oregon. Since July of 2023, we've facilitated the procurement of over $152,000 worth of locally grown food directly from small farmers to school districts and child nutrition programs in Lane County. With more vigorous, well supported local food system logistics, we're eager to double those numbers over the next two years.

Learn more about Farm to School and how to get your farm involved!

 

Fill Your Pantry (FYP) is a farm-direct bulk-food buying event that takes place on the second Sunday in November every year. Customers pre-order from a selection of locally grown, raised, and produced products from area farmers during October and then pick them up in-person in November. Shop a selection of root vegetables, storage crops, produce, grains, meat, legumes, nuts, honey, seafood, fruit, and so much more. Customers can pay for their orders using EBT/SNAP.

In 2022 and 2023, we hosted our two most successful Fill Your Pantry events to date. In 2023 we facilitated the distribution of over 23.5 tons of local food (including $13.3K of free food for folks in need) and circulated $159,000 in the local economy through small farmers in one day. These numbers are up from 15+ tons of local food distributed and $135,000 circulated in 2022. 

 

With Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB), shoppers using SNAP/EBT benefits receive “food bucks” valued at $20 per market day. Food bucks can be used to purchase fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, beans, cut herbs, and edible plant starts! DUFBs are available at all Farmers Markets in Lane County--just check-in at the Info Booth! 

Little Lettuce: Kids 12 years old and under, regardless of family income, get $5 towards the purchase of fruit, veggies, and edible plant starts at farmers markets in Lane County.

Bucka Buck a Bucks: A low barrier access program for people to receive $10 towards lean protein options like poultry and egg purchases at Farmers Markets in Lane County.

Farm to Food Bank/Market to Food Pantry Purchases: dedicated funding that pilots a farm-direct purchasing program for FOOD For Lane County and other anti-hunger organizations to make end-of-market-day purchases from farmers to boost their sales and redirect local food into rural food pantries.