A Shared Vision
A shared vision for Oregon: over the next decade, farm to school will equitably improve child health and well-being, support academic achievement, promote environmental resilience, and invigorate Oregon's agricultural economy.
This 10-Year Strategic Vision for Oregon Farm to School outlines five aspirational goals and fourteen informed strategies for public and private sector partners to align their work and resources to achieve that vision.
How it Began
In 2023, a collaborative team facilitated a comprehensive statewide planning process to develop the 10-Year Strategic Vision for Oregon Farm to School. Strategic planning partners began by building a shared understanding of the current state of implementation, identifying key challenges, opportunities, and gaps in statewide local procurement and agricultural education. They evaluated progress toward the 2013-2023 goals, assessed existing data collection and reporting systems, and examined the organizational missions, roles, and funding sources of lead partners.
After aligning on five key aspirations—referred to as "goals" on this website—the planning partners crafted potential strategies to achieve them. Throughout this process, an equity lens was applied to challenge assumptions and evaluate the implications of draft goals and strategies.
strategic planning partners
strong support for farm to school
Since 2013, Oregon has expanded from just a dozen schools purchasing local foods to 89% of School Food Authorities incorporating local foods into meals and snacks by 2022–2023. The success of farm to school in Oregon comes from ongoing unanimous non-partisan legislative support for policies, coupled with diverse partners in both public and private sectors working toward common goals
The Oregon State Legislature has invested over $40 million in farm to school and school garden grant programs administered by the Oregon Departments of Education and Agriculture. This state funding works alongside initiatives from Oregon State University Extension and commodity commissions, complemented by private investments from philanthropic organizations and businesses.
Our Planning Process
reflection & assessment
We began by evaluating progress toward previous goals and identifying key challenges and opportunities in local procurement and agricultural education.
strategy development
Once aligned on five aspirations, we developed potential strategies to achieve them, applying an equity lens throughout to challenge assumptions and evaluate implications.
community engagement
This engagement process reached 849 individuals across Oregon, 155 of whom provided 1,449 opinions and 285 comments, ensuring the strategic vision reflects diverse perspectives and is grounded in the needs and insights of the community. Planning partners then reviewed all comments and incorporated feedback by amending the draft goals and prioritizing strategies.
Looking Forward
Together, we're building a vision for Oregon's farm to school to equitably improve child health and well-being, support academic achievement, promote environmental resilience, and invigorate Oregon’s agricultural economy.
To read the full 10-Year Strategic Vision for Oregon Farm to School report, click here. On the footer below, you will find the executive summary in both English and Spanish.
