Network History

The Oregon Community Food System Network (OCFSN) emerged from a series of statewide Community Food Systems convenings funded by Meyer Memorial Trust that were held annually from 2012 to 2016.

These convenings were an opportunity for non-profit and community leaders from across the state to meet and share information about local and regional food systems development efforts. Participants quickly recognized the benefits of peer-to-peer networking, shared learning, and collaboration, and began to think about means to link and support the growing number of groups working on farm and food systems issues.

Planning began in earnest in 2014 with a group of volunteers drafting a proposal for formation of OCFSN. That proposal was affirmed in 2015 by 34 founding members, who also established four initial priority areas for collective action:

  • SNAP Match, an incentive program that allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to use their benefits to buy local food and receive a dollar for dollar match to buy local fruits and vegetables. Learn more.

  • Veggie Rx, programming with healthcare providers to address food insecurity and improve health outcomes for patients with diet related disease. Learn more.

  • Increasing and improving Access to Land for new and expanding small farmers.

  • Supporting Beginning Farmers & Ranchers by providing comprehensive services and outreach to this population. Learn more.

  • Wholesale Market Development to increase the flow of local food to retail and institutional buyers.

Timeline of OCFSN History from 2012-2022. Click image to expand.

Timeline of OCFSN History from 2012-2022. Click image to expand.