PORT ORFORD — A “food summit” March 27 will inaugurate a regional food council conceived to improve food security and create opportunities for food businesses.
The Wild Rivers Coast Alliance, Oregon Food Bank, Curry Watersheds Partnership and South Coast Development Council will host the South Coast Food Summit 2015 on Friday, March 27 in Port Orford.
The proposed food council will help strengthen the efforts currently taking place in the two counties and will act as an incubator for future food projects on the South Coast. The goal is to create a more resilient and economically vibrant food system for all.
“There has been a great deal happening in our area in regards to food, including the creation of the Coos and Curry Community Food Assessments last year,” said SCDC executive director Connie Stopher. “We want to invite the community to join us in a conversation, and hear what has been happening in local food on the South Coast as well as help us create an action plan for the future.”
During the past year, SCDC and Curry Watersheds Partnership have worked with an AmeriCorps Resource Assistance for Rural Environments staffer over the last year to move forward with a variety of recommendations made in the initial Community Food Assessments for both Coos and Curry County.
These reports examined the current state of our food systems, including the opportunities and challenges each sector is facing. The reports covered agriculture, commercial fishing, food distribution, the emergency food system, community food efforts, and much more. In addition, the report contains a list of recommendations to create a stronger, more resilient food system.
The summit meeting will include an update of these projects and recommendations, along with highlights of successes that have come from this initial work. There will be a presentation regarding the WealthWorks
NW grant awarded to Coos, Curry and Douglas Counties earlier this year and discussion of how to form the food council.
If you are interested in attending, RSVP by March 18 to Michelle Martin at 541-266-9753 or by email at michelle@scdcinc.org.
350 Commercial St.
Coos Bay, Oregon 97420