Since Ten Rivers Food Web was originally conceived in 2004, the world food web has come into progressively sharper focus. At first it was gradual, due to general complacency with the status quo. Predictions of “peak oil” were commonly ignored or denied.

Then, in 2008, financial fissures widened and the world economy erupted. People went from being food bank donors to food bank clients. Interest in gardening surged. Food security took on new meaning for those to whom it had been a buzzword.

The local food movement had gained traction by the time the economy hit the skids. After four years of assessing and organizing, Ten Rivers knew that rebuilding the infrastructure required to rekindle local food processing and distribution would be no easier in spite of the urgent need. But we embraced the challenge as a  new opportunity by crafting a Strategic Plan to make the most efficient use of funds and human resources available.

Ten Rivers work is divided into three Program areas. Like the community itself, each will flourish only if their visions and energies are united. A
key
element is
community involvement. A key element is community involvement. You are invited to join any of the program working groups that most suit your interests and talents. (Just click on Contact) We guarantee you will meet interesting, energetic people and never lack for ideas or enthusiasm for these projects.

There are other organizations within the Ten Rivers area also working on food issues. We welcome and support them and try to maintain regular contact so our efforts don’t overlap. You will read about them in various sections of this website. Please join us in supporting them — and the health of your community’s food system!

Community Initiatives

Community Initiatives  organizes collaborative community systems for food security and food safety at all economic levels.

We connect people and organizations across the Food Web to work together on action plans for grower support, processing, marketing, and food leadership capacity. To get a better idea of what we are doing, read the article on our latest project — The OSU Food Pantry.

Food Literacy

The Food Literacy program stimulates community involvement in local foods by offering opportunities for people to learn about the potential wealth of it, and issues that sometimes make connecting eaters with growers a challenge.  Opportunities range from sitting at your computer to lively discussions with a room–or restaurant–full of people.

Food Lit (our affectionate term for the program) brings farmers, chefs, food activists, authors, neighborhood food groups and many others to our annual Fall Food Series at the Corvallis library, or Community Discussion Dinners at local eateries.  Other communities in the Ten Rivers foodshed hold similar gatherings at churches, community centers, community gardens and potlucks.

Growers Network

Growers’ Network programs are designed to promote skills acquisition, develop tools and provide information to support an infrastructure for expanding  food production.

The group facilitates increased local bean, grain and edible seed production, conducts product demand assessments for market crops and livestock feed,  and fosters local markets and distribution channels to reach local tables.