Abigail Blinn

Email: ablinn@rvfoodsystem.org
Organization: Rogue Valley Food System Network
Community: Rogue Valley
Population: 215,000
Counties Served: Jackson & Josephine

Meet Abigail Blinn (she/her/hers):

Abigail grew up in the rolling hills of Gettysburg, PA, and had an interest in food, nutrition, and agriculture early on. She attended Penn State University, went on to pursue a dietetic internship at the University of New Hampshire, and received her Registered Dietitian Credentials. After experiencing various nutrition-focused settings including hospitals, food banks and pantries, land grant extension services, food service management sites, and research, she felt compelled to address root causes of food insecurity and nutrition-related illnesses. Abigail is now going on two years working in Southern Oregon and contributing to regional food system development work. She is also an outdoor enthusiast – taking any chance she gets to climb rocks, ski mountains, and exist in the forest.

Community and Organization:

The Rogue Valley refers to Josephine and Jackson Counties, regions differing quite a bit in terms of population, resources, and culture. With many growers, movers, and shakers in the area, there is still a need for capacity to move identified needs such as food access and farmer support forward. The Rogue Valley Food System Network is a nonprofit organization that connects farm and food businesses, nonprofit organizations, government entities, farmers and ranchers, and eaters to improve the food environment in the Rogue Valley. Rogue Valley Farm to School addresses need for farm and food education through garden programs in the school system and increasing local foods in school meals.

Project:

Abigail Blinn will serve the region responding to the community needs in light of COVID-19 and food issues that have come to the forefront of people’s minds. She will be assisting in community outreach and providing resources and connections as needed. Abigail will be working on the procurement side of farm to school, addressing barriers to accept and use food grown and distributed in the Rogue Valley.