Networked for strength

When farmers, ranchers, fishers and others collaborate, the community wins

September 27, 2018 – Everyone benefits from a well-organized community food system, but very few think about it or even know what it is. A food system includes all of the activities required to make food available to people, such as production, distribution and consumption.

Three years ago, Oregon Food Bank and 33 other organizations formed the Oregon Community Food Systems Network. Now almost 50 members strong, the coalition works across the state to build better food systems by sharing information, giving support and coordinating efforts. These organizations want to ensure that all people within their communities have access to food and that local farmers, fishers and grocers are successful.

Recently, Oregon Food Bank staff invested time to organize a working group focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. The committee aims to ensure participation by historically underrepresented communities and that outcomes are equitable.

Your support helps organizations join forces for a better food system. To truly end hunger, we need to engage the whole community to develop innovative solutions that address the root causes of hunger. Learn more about Oregon Food Bank’s community food systems work at oregonfoodbank.org/cfs.