Food Insecurity is on the Rise: Here’s What You Can Do to Strengthen Your Local Food System
By Cole Goodwin
Spring is here and the growing season is upon much of the region’s agricultural workers, farms, ranches, and businesses. Even so, food insecurity is at an all time high in Columbia River Gorge communities which heavily rely on imported goods rather than local food systems.
“The problem: One in three people are hungry. Over 98% of food consumed in the Gorge is imported. We need a resilient, inclusive food system,” says the Gorge Food Security Coalition, which was founded in 2016. Since founding, the coalition has grown from 20 to 38 community partners, including OSU Extension Service, Gorge Grown Food Network, Oregon Food Bank, and The Next Door. Their mission is to reduce hunger and strengthen local food systems in the Columbia River Gorge.
According to a 2010 Community Food Assessment, despite the large number of local farms in the Gorge, very few agricultural producers were selling directly to the consumer. The assessment noted that local sales within Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Klickitat, and Skamania County made up only 5.45% of the total agricultural sales in the region.
Inside Columbia Gorge Food Bank’s new $3 million community food center. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
And according to Columbia Gorge Food bank, since 2016 they’ve seen a 55% increase in need and have been rapidly scaling up in order to meet the need. Since 2016 the food bank has increased their food distributions from 722,531 to 2 million pounds of food a year. Pre-pandemic this single food bank served an average of 3,300 people a month alone. Now, following the pandemic, and the post-pandemic SNAP benefit decrease they serve some 6,000 individuals in Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman County every month.
However supply chain issues, seasonal weather difficulties and more continue to threaten the sustainability of local food systems.
Meanwhile many family farms and small food systems are also still struggling to make a living.
So what can be done?
Local efforts and solutions continue to unfold.
Columbia Gorge Food Bank, Washington Gorge Action Programs, The Dalles Community Backpack Program, The Gorge Grown Food Network, and Gorge Farmer’s Collective are all working to bring food to hungry people in the Columbia River Gorge region.
If you or your family are experiencing food insecurity in the Columbia River Gorge, click the links in this article to learn more about SNAP matching funds, free and low-cost food, and other resources.
How You Can Help Strengthen Local Food Systems
Shop Local
If you’re looking to buy or sale local foods look no further than this list of online retailers, farmers markets and mobile markets
Gorge Farmer’s Collective
Shop dozens of local farms and pick up your bounty from one of nine pick-up locations in the Gorge!
Gorge Grown Food Network Mobile Market
The Gorge Grown Mobile Farmers Market brings 100% locally grown fruit and vegetables to communities throughout the Gorge.
Sandoz Farm
This multi-generational farm in The Dalles serves up delicious beef and pork, jams, pickle products and fresh apples and pears!
2023 Gorge Farmers Market Schedule
Hood River Farmer’s Market (Winter Season)
When: December – April, 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 10a.m. – 12p.m.,
Ferment Brewing Company: 403 Portway Ave.
Click here for more info.
Hood River Farmers Market
When: May 6th – November 18th
Hours: Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: 5th & Columbia, Downtown Hood River
Hood River Farmes Market hosts between 45-55 farmers, ranchers, fishers, food artisans, artists, and other vendors every week. Activities for children and information about community resources and roganizations are also regularly available at the market.
Goldendale Farmers Market
When: May 6th – September 30th
Hours: Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Lawn at the Cha.m.ber, 903 E Broadway
“The Goldendale Farmers’ Market is a happy, friendly, meet your friends kind of shopping place. We are an open air market with fresh seasonal produce, home baked goods, jams and jellies, farm fresh eggs, Klickitat County wild honey, original jewelry, and an ever changing array of artisans and crafters,” reads Gorge Grown Food Network.
The Dalles Farmers Market
When: June 3rd – October 14th
Hours: Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: City Park, Union and E. 5th Street, downtown The Dalles
“Our local vendors include fresh produce, meats, eggs, flowers, jams, jellies, honey, plants, pickles, cheeses, prepared foods, baked goods, art soap, lotions, and salves. The Dalles Farmers Market has about 30 vendors during the season. The last day of the market will be our Annual Harvest Festival! Come and join our Pie Contest and Dress Your Veggie Contest! Pumpkin painting for the kids too! We accept EBT, WIC and FDNP coupons too!!” says The Dalles Farmers Market bio.
White Salmon Farmers Market
When: June 6 – September 26
Hours: Tuesdays, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: White Salmon’s City Park.
Visit the White Salmon Farmers’ Market in the beautiful Rhinegarten Park. The market features a variety of local food including fresh produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, and more. Listen to great live music, let your kids play in the park and relax in the grass.
Click here for more info.
Stevenson Farmers Market
When: June 15th – October 12th
Hours: Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: On the waterfront, 140 S Cascade Ave
The Stevenson Farmers Market is a seasonal market operated by the Stevenson Downtown Association. Held at the beautiful Stevenson Waterfront, our market aims to enhance the quality of life in Skamania County by providing: access to fresh, locally grown produce for all income levels, support for micro-enterprises and cottage industries, food education and assistance, and family-friendly gathering place for our community.
Click here for more info.
Mercado del Valle
When: June 22, July 6 & 20, Aug 3 & 17, Sep 7 & 21
Hours: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Odell Neighborhood Park: 3167 Ta.m.arack Road
This market is by the latino community for the latino community. Think fresh foods, tamales, baile folklorico, mariachi and more!
Grow a Garden
Grow a garden to support local bees, pollinators and people!
Advocate
Contact your local and state officials and encourage them to support legislation regarding food assistance programs, public health, climate justice, sustainable forestry, agro-forestry, agriculture, and uphold the human right to access nature, hunt, fish, and forage for food.
Learn to Forage, Fish & Hunt
Humans have been hunting, fishing, and gathering for generations. Learning about food sources that are native to your area and how to sustainably care for and utilize those resources can help improve food security in your area, not only for people but for wildlife as well.
Volunteer & Donate
The Dalles Community Backpack Program sends nearly 250 bags of food home with food-insecure students every week and they need volunteers to help fill those bags! Photo Credit: The Community Backpack Program
Volunteer with or donate to your local food bank, community backpack program, start a local food drive, or work with your local organizations and growers to improve food security in your area.
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