Douglas County Produce Project
Providing produce boxes from local farms to rural communities through schools, libraries, and community centers with educational activities to match.
Douglas County Produce Project
The Douglas County Produce Project is a community-driven initiative led by Umpqua Valley Farm to School (UVF2S), providing fresh, locally grown produce to over 300 families each summer. Through produce box deliveries, summer educational programs, cooking classes, and seed libraries, we ensure that families in rural and underserved areas have access to nutritious food and hands-on food systems education.
Expanding Food Access in Rural Douglas County
For the past three years, UVF2S has partnered with local farms, Oregon Food Bank (OFB), Feeding Umpqua, and The Whipple Foundation Fund to distribute fresh produce to rural schools, libraries, and community centers. In 2023 and 2024, this initiative provided $50,000 worth of produce to schools in Yoncalla, Drain, Elkton, South Umpqua School District, Glendale, and Phoenix School of Roseburg.
Our impact continues to grow:
✅ Produce Boxes for Families – Delivering fresh, seasonal produce to rural schools and community hubs. In fall 2023, we extended this project to food pantries and community centers, providing fresh, local produce to families outside of summer programs at schools.
✅ Summer Camp Education – UVF2S educators lead hands-on nutrition, cooking, and gardening activities at schools receiving produce boxes, and at Rainbow Kitchen, reinforcing healthy eating habits.
✅ Community Cooking Classes – Through a new partnership with Douglas Education Service District, UVF2S will begin offering free, afterschool cooking classes using seasonal produce at Rainbow Kitchen in downtown Roseburg.
✅ Expanding Partnerships – In 2025, we expect to partner with libraries throughout Douglas County who are part of our seed library circle to provide produce boxes and education to families.
Seed Libraries & Community Gardening: Growing Beyond the Box
To further expand access to fresh food, UVF2S has created eight Seed Libraries at public libraries throughout Douglas County. These seed libraries:
🌱 Offer free vegetable, herb, and native plant seeds to encourage home gardening.
🤝 Partner with our Douglas County Produce Project to provide families with resources for growing their own food.
🥕 Promote the Plant a Row for the Food Bank initiative, where gardeners are encouraged to donate excess produce to local food banks and pantries.
Looking Forward
With continued support from The Whipple Foundation Fund and community partners, we aim to expand our reach, sustain our produce box program, and provide even more families with fresh food and hands-on education.
By connecting families to fresh food, gardening resources, and cooking education, the Douglas County Produce Project strengthens food security and empowers communities to take an active role in their food system.
🌿 Together, we are growing a healthier, more food-secure future for Douglas County! 🌎✨
