This growing season, families and farmers in Linn County were delighted to engage with an innovative new program that offered them a delicious and nutritious solution to food insecurity.
The Food for Health pilot program, expertly crafted by Linn County’s Health Education and Maternal and Child Health teams, seeks to not only provide food to families in need but to simultaneously bolster the local economy. Through this groundbreaking initiative, dedicated Linn County staff delivered free, fresh, and locally sourced food directly to the doors of 50 families, showcasing a commitment that spanned over five months with bi-weekly deliveries.
Families enthusiastically participating in the program, ranging from Albany to Brownsville to Sweet Home, eagerly awaited their colorful boxes brimming with fresh produce and protein every two weeks. The Maternal and Child Health team, consisting of compassionate nurses who perform home visits for new low-income parents, played a crucial role in identifying and enrolling beneficiaries from their client pools, ensuring that those indicating a genuine need for food assistance received help. A simple five-minute phone call was all it took for them to secure their spot and enjoy a steady supply of nutritious food throughout the season.
As food prices continue to climb at grocery stores and farmers’ markets alike, participants shared that they would not have been able to access these seasonal fruits and vegetables, particularly from local farms, without the invaluable support of this pilot program. In a survey conducted at the conclusion of the initiative, one grateful participant expressed, “My kids are thrilled. They can be picky eaters, but they look forward to these boxes because they are filled with exciting new foods.”
The Food for Health program received essential funding through grants from both the American Heart Association and the Oregon Health Authority, facilitating direct partnerships with various local farmers, including La Mancha Orchard, Oso Honey Farm, PK Pastures, Wahl Family Farms, and Willows Acres, among others, to source quality food for families.
Every two weeks, the bountiful produce and meat from these trusted farms were aggregated at Oso Honey Farm, where they were meticulously packed into boxes and loaded into county and farm vans. These vehicles then traversed Linn County, delivering the food directly to families’ homes, demonstrating a commitment to community well-being.
For Diego Nieto, Linn County’s Food Systems Coordinator and one of the key architects of the pilot, this initiative epitomizes the potential to directly address families’ needs while simultaneously forging strong connections with local farmers. “A community that can feed and take care of itself is a resilient one,” Nieto proclaimed. “We hope the Food for Health pilot can demonstrate to our partners and healthcare providers that if we step in to help connect the dots and invest in nutritious local foods, everyone in our community ends up better off.”
Looking forward, Linn County is eager to manage and expand the program in the coming year. While this year’s pilot uniquely targeted new parents, the county is actively exploring additional strategies and potential demographics for outreach. For instance, local healthcare clinics could participate in distributing food boxes to their clients and patients, extending the program’s reach.
“The home delivery model worked so well; we will definitely do that again next year,” Nieto affirmed. “However, we aim to develop additional distribution methods to reach other community members. Either way, our goal is to at least triple the volume of food we’re providing to the community next year.”
How does the Food for Health program support both families in need and local farmers?
**Interview with Sarah Johnson, Program Coordinator for the Food for Health Pilot Program**
**Editor:** Sarah, thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us a bit about the origins of the Food for Health pilot program and what inspired its creation in Linn County?
**Sarah Johnson:** Thank you for having me! The Food for Health program was born out of a recognition of the growing food insecurity in our community, particularly among families with young children. Our Health Education and Maternal and Child Health teams wanted to create a solution that not only provided access to nutritious food but also supported our local farmers. It was really about building a bridge between those in need and the plentiful resources we have in our own backyards.
**Editor:** That sounds like a wonderful initiative. Could you explain how the program operates on a day-to-day basis?
**Sarah Johnson:** Absolutely! Over the course of five months, we delivered fresh, locally sourced food directly to the doors of 50 families every two weeks. The team, which includes dedicated nurses from our Maternal and Child Health program, identified families who expressed a need during their home visits. With just a quick five-minute phone call, families could enroll and receive these colorful boxes filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as protein. It was heartwarming to see how excited families were each delivery day.
**Editor:** What has the feedback been like from the families involved in the program?
**Sarah Johnson:** The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! Many parents have expressed immense gratitude for the program. One participant shared with us, “My kids are thrilled. They can be picky eaters, but they look forward to these boxes because they are filled with exciting new foods.” It’s incredible to see how this initiative not only addresses hunger but also encourages families to explore new food options and make healthier choices.
**Editor:** How did the program manage to sustain itself financially through these challenging times?
**Sarah Johnson:** We were fortunate to receive vital funding from grants through the American Heart Association and the Oregon Health Authority. This support allowed us to partner with local farmers, ensuring that our families received high-quality produce while simultaneously stimulating our local economy. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
**Editor:** Looking towards the future, do you have any plans to expand the program, or are you considering any additional initiatives?
**Sarah Johnson:** We certainly hope to expand the program! The success of this pilot has shown us the profound impact it can have. We’re currently evaluating the program and seeking additional funding opportunities to reach more families. Ultimately, our goal is to not only alleviate food insecurity but also to promote long-term health in our community.
**Editor:** Thank you, Sarah, for sharing such valuable insights about the Food for Health program. It’s inspiring to see such dedication to supporting families and local farmers!
**Sarah Johnson:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss our program! We’re excited about the future and committed to making a difference in Linn County.
