Oregon's state budget operates on a two-year cycle called a biennium. Every odd-numbered year (2025, 2027, etc.), the Oregon Legislature meets for a "long session" from January through June to set the budget for the next two years. This means farm to school funding decisions made in 2025 will determine what's available through 2027. That's why we need sustained advocacy—we're not just fighting for this year, but securing programs for the entire biennium.

Unlike federal programs that continue automatically, Oregon's farm to school grant program must be re-funded every biennium. Even though legislators have supported us since 2011, each budget cycle brings competing priorities and tough decisions. Without ongoing advocacy, funding could be reduced or eliminated entirely. Think of it like renewing a lease—just because you had an apartment last year doesn't guarantee you'll have one next year without signing a new agreement.

Odd-numbered years feature "long sessions" (January-June) where the Legislature sets the two-year budget, this is when major funding decisions happen. Even-numbered years have "short sessions" (February-March) that focus on policy changes and urgent issues, but rarely address major budget items. That's why OFSN's advocacy intensifies during long session years.

The Ways and Means Committee is Oregon's most powerful legislative committee. They decide how to spend the state's money. All budget requests, including farm to school funding, must be approved by Ways and Means. The committee holds "roadshow" hearings around the state where community members can testify about budget priorities. This is often our best opportunity to put human faces and local stories behind funding requests.

Legislators need to hear that farm to school matters to their constituents, not just from OFSN, but from teachers, parents, farmers, students, and community members in their districts. A legislator might receive hundreds of emails about various issues, but personal stories from people back home carry special weight. When a parent from their district shares how farm to school improved their child's eating habits, or a local farmer explains how school contracts helped their business survive, that's the kind of authentic voice that influences votes.

The process starts when the Governor proposes a budget in late fall. Then, during the legislative session, committees review each program's effectiveness and community support before making recommendations to Ways and Means. Ways and Means crafts the final budget, which must pass both the House and Senate. Throughout this process, legislators are weighing competing needs. Your advocacy helps them understand why farm to school deserves a spot in that final budget.

Absolutely! Legislators need to hear from real people, not just policy experts. Your personal connection to farm to school (as a parent, teacher, farmer, or community member) is exactly what they need to hear. You don't need to know budget line items or legislative procedures. You just need to share your authentic experience with why farm to school matters to you and your community. We're here to help by providing templates and explaining how to submit testimony when the time comes. 

Policy change is essential for creating lasting systems change. By advocating for supportive policies, we can scale farm to school programs beyond what individual schools or districts can achieve alone, creating statewide impact for Oregon's students, farmers, and communities.