HDFFA believes everyone deserves good food.
That belief drives all of our work, including our approach to opening avenues for our Central Oregon neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity to access fresh, locally sourced food. Two of HDFFA’s signature programs are about to launch for the summer season. Read on for more information and learn how you can find nutritious, locally-sourced food.
VeggieRx
Are you interested in ten weeks of free locally grown produce?
VeggieRx is one of our food access programs that is designed for people who are experiencing food insecurity, are 18 years or older, and have some type of diet-modifiable disease (depression and anxiety included). If you or someone you know meet this criteria, contact your provider to get a prescription for VeggieRx. Almost all local clinics are already VeggieRx partners and will send your referral. There are many more available spots for this coming season!
The VeggieRx season begins the week of May 15th! We have programs in Bend, Madras, and Warm Springs. If you have any questions, contact our VeggieRx Senior Manager Kelly Moffatt at Kelly@hdffa.org or 541-310-3111.
Fresh Harvest Kits
Fresh Harvest Kits are ready-to-make meal kits consisting of a recipe (in both Spanish and English) and all of the ingredients needed to cook a meal for four: fresh locally grown produce, pantry staples, and a spice packet from Savory Spice.
The following partners will begin offering Fresh Harvest Kits in June:
- La Pine Community Kitchen
- Kiwanis and Wellhouse Pantries in Sisters
- Madras Community Food Pantry
- Prineville ODHS
- Warm Springs Thursday Market – the first distribution day will be at the Pi-Ume-Sha Health Fair on June 26th.
Grow & Give
HDFFA’s Grow & Give program collects fresh, nutritious produce that might otherwise be wasted. The program relies on our relationships with local farmers, the NeighborImpact regional food bank, and our dedicated volunteers. Some of HDFFA’s partner farms grow produce specifically for this program, prioritizing the produce that food pantry clients prefer or cannot often otherwise access. Volunteers become members of our Glean Teams to pick leftover harvest from their fields. HDFFA also tables at Farmers Markets throughout the season to collect produce not sold from our partner farms. This program begins in June and we welcome you to become a volunteer. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities and join the HDFFA glean team at hdffa.org/volunteer.
Other resources to help overcome barriers to accessing health food options
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Food benefits to eligible, low-income individuals and families. oregon.gov/dhs/assistance/food-benefits
Women Infants and Children (WIC)
Special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. For locations and resources in Oregon, call 211 or visit oregon.gov/oha/PH/healthypeoplefamilies/WIC/
Farm Direct Vouchers
The Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program (FDNP) is a state-administered, federal nutrition program serving families enrolled in the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program and income-eligible seniors. Farm Direct participants receive $4 vouchers to spend on fresh, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, and cut edible herbs directly with authorized farmers. https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYPEOPLEFAMILIES/WIC/FDNP/Pages/WIC-Farm-Direct-Participants.aspx
Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB)
Match your SNAP up to $20/day at the Downtown Bend, Sisters and Madras Farmers Markets, and Central Oregon Locavore. For participating locations and info, visit doubleuporegon.org
Protein Perks! @ The Downtown Bend Farmers Market
Protein Perks! is an exclusive Bend Farmers Market food access program that offers a $6 SNAP match each week that customers can use to buy fish, eggs, meat and cheese. For more info, visit https://www.bendfarmersmarket.com/market-currencies
Pacific Northwest Community Supported Agriculture
From vegetables and meats, to accessible payment plans, to finding a farm that will deliver, find a CSA farm that fits your needs! Pay monthly with SNAP and get your CSA 50% off with Double Up Food Bucks! Find a farm at https://www.pnwcsa.org/find-a-farm
Central Oregon Food Pantries
For a list of regional food pantries that offer free or reduced grocery options, visit neighborimpact.org/get-help/get-food
Central Oregon Fill Your Pantry – Saturday, November 9, 2024
This bulk buying farmers market occurs at the end of the growing season. You can use SNAP and receive DUFB to purchase local produce for the fall/winter months. Centraloregonfillyourpantry.com
