Reports detail strengths, challenges in local food systems

PORTLAND – Just over a year ago three participants in the AmeriCorps Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) program began intensive projects to detail the food issues and assets in Curry, Coos and Douglas counties. RARE Program members have completed 17 community food assessments covering 24 counties under the guidance of Oregon Food Bank. By 2016, community food assessments will be available for all rural counties in Oregon.

Community food assessments help identify strengths and weaknesses in how food is grown, processed, packaged, and distributed. Ultimately the assessments can assist the community in achieving a sustainable natural resource base and improving economic conditions. Each RARE participant interviewed community members, attended meetings, and facilitated conversations in order to get a well-rounded view of their assigned county.

Sponsored by Wild Rivers Coast Alliance and in partnership with Oregon Food Bank, RARE members heard many of the same opportunities, including:

• USDA certified meat-processing facility – Ranchers must transport their animals to Springfield (120-250 miles away) to be processed. The facility handles animals from all over the area which translates to a long waiting list. Combined with the high cost of transportation, most of the resulting product does not come back to Coos and Curry counties for retail sale.
• Food system council – In an effort to make changes, it is important to bring together stakeholders such as farmers, fishermen, nonprofit organizations, government officials and others to create a strategic plan for 2014-2015. This group could then act as an incubator to help initiate and grow regional food system projects.
• Alternative markets for cranberries – Oregon cranberries are in large supply but nationally there is a glut of product. Growers say their product is sweeter. A feasibility study could help determine if Oregon cranberries have the potential to be a niche market.

A community food assessment was completed for Douglas County in 2013. The follow-up report, released this year, updates the efforts to strengthen the local food system. For more information visit oregonfoodbank.org