This past year we began exploring policy and advocacy work at the state level - through an expansion of our outreach programs: addressing food security and food systems work at every level we can. We partnered with local farms in creating the Southern Oregon Farmers Network - working on crop planning and creating a more resilient food system. We also participated in the first iteration of the Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP): Partnership with the Red Cross cements our abilities to be responsive, and this program allowed for permanent improvements to our infrastructure. We are so appreciative of our partnerships with community and statewide organizations, because without these we wouldn’t be here to continue to do this work.

Even amidst a rapidly changing political climate and a constant eye on the horizon, we continue to be positively impacted by our involvement in Oregon communities. We are taking time ahead of possible future disasters to fortify relationships, build trust, and strengthen bonds. We’ve begun creating a line of freeze-dried meals (MREs) utilizing organic ingredients, sourced throughout Oregon. We have been able to co-create recipes with some of Oregon’s great chefs. This program will create more jobs as well as more investment in locally grown food. These meals can be stored throughout the state so that in future crises, food will be easily accessible, especially when other infrastructure is impacted. In addition to looking ahead, we are working to solidify long-term funding to support our Neighbors Unite Markets so that we can continue to positively impact people's ability to access healthy fresh food.

RFU is committed to changing the model of the food system: seeing healthy, nourishing food as a fundamental right, investing into our local economies with purchasing from local farmers, producers, and restaurants, and advocating for policy change to positively impact food security for all individuals. Our strength to build this foundation for a better future lies in all of our partnerships: the communities we support, the volunteers that we are incredibly fortunate to have, our amazing donors and grantors, and our phenomenal staff.

Thank you