Sharing the Harvest

FOOD for Lane County’s Community Garden Exchange

Summer food means fun, right? Barbeques, picnics, leisurely dinners in the outdoors. But for many in our community — those struggling with food insecurity issues — summer can mean a long spell with little or no support. Fortunately, a network of vital local community programs helps to fill the need.

One innovative program puts the community in community gardens.

Youth Farm prides itself on Organically grown vegetables. Photo: FOOD for Lane County.

“At our Youth Farm, we have two produce stands in North Springfield (one at the farm on Flamingo Avenue, and the other at the Riverbend hospital) where we accept SNAP [Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program] benefits and match up to $10, and we accept Farm Direct Nutrition Program Vouchers for seniors and WIC [Women, Infants and Children] families and match up to $4,” says Jen Anonia, FOOD for Lane County’s Gardens program manager.

“New this year, PeaceHealth is sponsoring our matching programs,” Anonia says. “And we also partner with the statewide Double-Up Food Bucks Program, through the Farmers Market Fund, to offer the $10 match to SNAP customers.”

 

 

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By Rachael Carnes, Eugene Weekly