Nourishing Central Oregon With Fresh Local Produce
The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance partnered with the Council on Aging to provide Fresh Harvest Kits with local produce and pantry staples to Central Oregon seniors who are homebound and facing food insecurity.
High Desert Food and Farm Alliance-Central Oregon
Across Central Oregon, food insecurity remains a pressing challenge, particularly for older adults and vulnerable community members. The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance is tackling this issue head-on through its Fresh Harvest Kit program, which provides free, ready-to-make meal kits that bring fresh, locally grown produce directly to those in need. Each kit contains farm fresh produce, pantry staples, a seasoning packet, and a recipe card, offering a nutritious and delicious meal for four. Recipes are provided in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility for all families.
The program has grown rapidly since its pilot phase. In 2024, The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance partnered with the Council on Aging to deliver its Fresh Harvest Kits through the Meals on Wheels program to seniors in Sisters, Oregon. With additional support from the JTMF Foundation, the program expanded significantly in 2025 to serve Meals on Wheels participants in Redmond, Madras, Sisters, and La Pine. That year, 1,840 Fresh Harvest Kits were distributed to JTMF-funded sites, providing the equivalent of 7,360 nutritious meals to older adults experiencing food insecurity. In total, more than 3,900 kits were distributed across Central Oregon, delivering over 15,600 meals to neighbors in need.
The Fresh Harvest Kit program is more than just a meal, it is an opportunity to connect community members with locally grown food while promoting health, dignity, connection and independence. Each kit introduces recipients to fresh ingredients and new recipes, helping participants develop skills and confidence in preparing wholesome meals at home. Beyond addressing immediate nutritional needs, the program strengthens community bonds by encouraging participants to share their homemade meals with friends, family and neighbors. Furthermore, the program links local farmers, volunteers, and organizations in a shared effort to combat hunger.
The JTMF Foundation is proud to continue our support into the 2026 harvest season of the High Desert Food and Farm Alliance’s Fresh Harvest Kit program for Central Oregon older adults. By investing in initiatives that address food insecurity, promote local agriculture, and strengthen community connections, JTMF helps ensure that Central Oregon’s most vulnerable residents have access to healthy, nourishing meals and the support they need to thrive.
