Poised in Preparation
March 2023
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Lea este boletín en español aquí |
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Notes from the Executive Director
Spring is quickly approaching here in Southern Oregon. The yellow tips of daffodils are emerging reminding me of all that I am grateful for. The vibrancy that surrounds us is profound. The heavy snowfall feels so exciting. Rogue Food Unites has not been hibernating this winter. We have been building our team of staff and volunteers. There is much to do. Fire season is peeking in between the clouds and snow-covered mountains and we are resolved not to be caught flat-footed.
As we increase our capacity-building efforts and outreach, we are addressing both internal and external development.
In February, we began focusing on training and development in order to be prepared for the next set of disasters.
During these last months, our staff participated in a number of outreach events, speaking engagements and community activities to serve as a resource, adviser, and/or connector for different organizations addressing disaster recovery and community resiliency in English and Spanish. From the Climate Justice Conference at SOU, to the Migrant Education Resource Fair, to the OCF Board's Southern Oregon tour, to the Food Summit happening with Rogue Valley Food Systems Network this week and more, we are so honored to be invited to these discussions with our community.
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Client Resource Team Lead, Jesus Rios, at the Migrant Education Resource Fair
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Our team continues to feel the impact of the work we are doing. We have served well over 30,000 people at our Neighbors Unite / Vecinos Unidos - No Cost Mobile Farmers Market. Food insecurity is swirling around all of us. The costs of produce, eggs, and meat are on the rise. Covid benefits and food stamps are being decreased, housing costs are continuing to increase. We are grateful to be able to scratch the surface needs of our collective community members. The lines are long, the music is loud, and communities are bridging. We have loved this program so much and are committed to showing up in all of the weather to decrease the financial burdens of eating well.
A recurring thought for me has been to do the right thing. I am sure we aren’t always doing it right. We are a young organization, born to affect change. The things we know: our neighbors need support, our state needs a plan for future disasters, and our food systems need overhauling. We will continue to do the right thing and show up and plan for our futures, while continuing to build relationships and trust with you all.
Gratefully,
Amber
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We are proud to kick off Jackson Care Connect’s next decade, as a recipient of the CHIP grant from Jackson Care Connect!
This grant from Jackson Care Connect will significantly impact how we can support our community, helping us leverage other funding to extend our markets further into Jackson County. Rogue Food Unites has continued providing a weekly no-barrier, no-cost farmers market at three regional locations. We are excited about this partnership and to see this program grow and serve more community members.
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We are so thankful to @allcarehealth for their support of our work with our program: Neighbors Unite (Vecidos Unidos): A No Cost Mobile Farmer's Market for All. The Community Health Improvement Team has awarded Rogue Food Unites with grant funding for the implementation, success, and expansion of the work that we are doing. This mobile market program is intended to reach people who generally don’t have ready access to fresh, organic food, and includes a goal to build community in the process. ❤️ Thank you Allcare Health!
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