Interviews this winter with food producers, grocery retailers and schools provided evidence that efforts have improved in accessing local food and combatting hunger.
Now a survey targets Wallowa County consumers directly regarding their thoughts on local food systems.
Joshua Russell of the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District is compiling information into a Community Food Assessment and is encouraging community participation in the consumer survey.
“Everyone who completes the survey has the option to be entered into a drawing for $25 of Buckskin Bucks which can be spent at any of more than 50 participating local stores, “ said Russell.
The survey will provide up-to-date information on where people get their food and the factors that affect local food access such as price, availability, or choice.
On the horizon this summer are plans for new farmers’ markets in Wallowa and Lostine providing growers outlets to sell their goods.
Recent accomplishments include the Joseph School serving local beef, fruit, salad greens and carrots in its food program and it has plans to increase the amount of fresh produce through the Magic Garden farm-to-school partnership.
Volunteers with Slow Food Wallowa County are offering a Best Practices guide to community and school gardens. And local farms and ranches contribute meat and produce to the food bank at Community Connections, where more than 80 percent of food items already come from community donations.
Paper copies of the Consumer Food Access Survey are available at the following locations: Joseph City Hall, Wallowa Senior Center and The Blonde Strawberry in Wallowa, The Bookloft, Enterprise City Hall, Community Connection, Department of Human Services and Building Healthy Families in Enterprise.
An online version is also available and can be found by visiting the NEOEDD Facebook page. Having a Facebook account is not necessary to access the page.
Surveys will be collected through April 2012. The survey can be completed anonymously and individual responses will remain confidential. They can be returned to the place where they were acquired or to the NEOEDD office at 101 NE 1st St., Suite 100, Enterprise, downstairs from the Enterprise Library.
When complete in July 2012, the Community Food Assessment will provide a mixture of statistics, trends, and survey results.
The assessment is sponsored by volunteers with the Wallowa County Food System Council with assistance from the Development District and the Oregon Food Bank.
To volunteer or for more information, contact Joshua Russell at 541-426-3598.
Originally Published in The Observer 1406 Fifth StreetLa Grande, OR 97850
Phone 541-963-3161