30 Apr More Than Farmers Markets
At Gorge Grown, our team works on a suite of interrelated programs that help fulfill our mission: to build a resilient and inclusive food system that improves the health and well-being of our community.
We bolster food security among Native families:
A survey by Columbia Gorge Health Council showed that 85% of indigenous residents of the Gorge worry about where their next meal will come from. Each month, Gorge Grown works with partners to distribute healthy food to native families. Produce is donated by Organically Grown Company and purchased from local farmers, then delivered in partnership with Nch’i Wana Housing and One Community Health to places like Celio Village and Wishram.
Gorge Grown convenes a Tribal Food Sovereignty group, led by and for indigenous food advocates and first food gatherers. This initiative brings together members from six tribes, including Cayuse/Umatilla, Nez Perce, Warm Springs, and Yakama Nation. Key efforts include securing access to land for traditional food gathering and organizing food preservation workshops.
We incubate new food businesses:
Each year Gorge Grown’s staff provide technical assistance and support for over 250 farmers and producers. Many aspiring entrepreneurs face challenges like costly commercial kitchen rentals, expensive permits, and burdensome paperwork. In 2025, we are expanding our support for Latine* entrepreneurs by providing stipends and supplies to overcome these barriers. We aim to empower entrepreneurs to thrive in the food industry and promote long-term economic growth within underrepresented communities.
We cultivate peer learning for local farmers:
Through Crop Talks, we aim to provide vital networking and peer-learning opportunities to local farmers and producers. Crop Talks are coordinated by our team in collaboration with Underwood Conservation District. We host monthly Crop Talks at regional farms, April through September.