New Food Security Survey Seeks Voices of Gorge Residents to Shape Local Programs
From Oregon State University:
By Grace Wesson
The Dalles, Ore., July 8, 2025 — Oregon State University Extension Service has launched a new Columbia Gorge Food Security Survey to better understand community needs and guide future food-related programs across the region.
The assessment, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete, is open to all residents in the Columbia River Gorge area, regardless of whether they consider themselves food-secure. Participants can complete the survey online at beav.es/GorgeFoodSurvey, and 20 respondents will be randomly selected to receive a $50 gift card.
The survey builds on the findings of the 2015 Columbia Gorge Food Security Assessment, which revealed that one in three households worried about running out of food and one in five actually did. That earlier data helped secure more than $25 million in grants and led to the creation of the regional Food Security Coalition, the expansion of VeggieRx — a fresh produce prescription program — and increased nutrition education initiatives.
According to preliminary results from the current survey, about 45% of households worried about running out of food in the past year, and 37% actually did. High food costs, lack of transportation, and limited availability of preferred foods remain key barriers, while most respondents valued fresh, nutritious, and budget-friendly food.
The project is a collaborative effort involving OSU Extension Service, Columbia Gorge Food Bank, The Next Door Inc., Gorge Grown Food Network, Columbia Gorge Health Council, Bridges to Health, PacificSource Community Solutions, Oregon Department of Human Services, and other Food Security Coalition partners.
Survey responses will inform future programs, policies, and funding efforts to improve access to healthy food in the region. Responses are anonymous, and all questions are optional, particularly those in the “Questions About You” section.
For more information, or to request assistance, Oregon residents can visit OregonFoodFinder.org, and Washington residents can visit wagap.org/food-banks-nutrition.
For questions about the survey, contact Lauren Kraemer at lauren.kraemer@oregonstate.edu or 541-386-3343 ext. 38258.
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