Local Food Workshop to Connect Central Oregon Producers with Area Chefs, Grocers, and Food Distributors

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oct. 29, 2008—As food transportation costs increase, the phrase “buying local” takes on new meaning. This upcoming workshop will provide an opportunity for institutional consumers and food businesses to come together with agricultural producers to discuss issues and solutions for establishing more direct food markets in Central Oregon. The goal is to help provide the opportunity for restaurants to offer local and seasonal food options, for institutions to offer healthy alternatives, and to develop sustainable markets for producers.

Who: Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, OSU Extension, Central Oregon Environmental Center, Oregon Environmental Council
What: Cultivating Our Local Food Economy workshop
When: Saturday, November 1st from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Where:  St. Charles Medical Center at 2500 NE Neff Road in Bend

The registration fee for the workshop is $20 and includes a delicious local food lunch donated by many local businesses.  To register for the event, please visit www.coic.org/localfood or call Katrina Van Dis, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council at (541) 504-3307. 

The workshop will feature local food success stories, structured discussion time for producers and buyers to tackle challenges, a local food tradeshow where farmers and food businesses will get to display and discuss their wares, and expert presentations on making food distribution systems work for local food. 

About the Oregon Environmental Council
The Oregon Environmental Council safeguards what Oregonians love about Oregon – clean air and water, an unpolluted landscape and healthy food produced by local farmers. For 40 years, we’ve been a champion for solutions to protect the health of every Oregonian and the health of the place we call home. Our vision for Oregon includes solving global warming, protecting kids from toxins, cleaning up our rivers, building sustainable economies, and ensuring healthy food and local farms. Find out more at www.oeconline.org.