Umpqua Valley Farm To School

2023 was the third year of the DC Produce Project which allows us to partner with local farms, rural, remote schools, food banks, and food pantries to provide fresh, locally grown produce to families along with simple lessons which can be done at home, in any living situation. The lessons include gardening and UVF2S provided soil, seeds, containers, and gardening books. They also include recipes to go along with the produce provided each week during the program. This program has consistently expanded food access throughout Douglas County's lowest income areas and ensured that students and families have nonstop access to fresh food throughout summer months when schools are not in session. Students served comes from our School Garden Education program which works with 9 schools throughout Douglas County to provide free, hands-on school garden education classes. These programs focus on the Three Pillars of Wellness which are: nutrition, physical activity, and mindfulness. UVF2S believes strongly that children gain valuable life and wellness skills by participating in all aspects of the food system, from growing food to preparing and tasting it. These programs support local farms and small businesses by educating youth on the importance of our local food system, and by teaching culturally relevant lessons through curriculum designed by Tribal communities in Oregon. The organization was able to give out $8000 in small, classroom grants throughout Douglas County through our ODE Farm to CNP education grant. These grants enabled schools and early childhood education centers to provide their own school garden education projects to students, expanding the mission of UVF2S beyond our direct reach.