x̌ast sq̓it (hast squeit) means “good rain” in the language of the sngaytskstx (Sinixt), the Arrow Lakes Peoples. Farm founder Michelle Week, of Sinixt ancestry, explains her perspective: “I feel like a steward, not an owner, of the farm. The plants are the bosses; I’m just the caretaker. The focus of the farm is to contribute to our region’s food sources and uphold Native food sovereignty.”

On a patch of Oregon State University land in Corvallis, the OSU Organic Growers Club is cultivating much more than fruits, vegetables and herbs. It’s a hands-on learning ground where students get to experience what it really takes to grow organically, from planting and harvesting to running a CSA.

“Our work is all about transforming the food system and getting more organic, sustainably grown food on people’s plates,” shared Melissa Spear, Tilth’s executive director. “There’s a lot of joy in what we do. We also love teaming up with partners like OGC – I even served on the advisory committee for Organicology this year!”

Walk into Astoria Co-op these days and you’ll notice something right away: the produce department pops. That’s thanks to a recent upgrade to their wet rack shelving and the addition of LED lighting – a project that got a big boost from OGC’s Mission Fund.

Viva Farms is one of the largest and most robust farm incubator programs in the country. Based in western Washington, this nonprofit helps new farmers get started by offering access to land, training and the resources they need to build sustainable, organic farms. They’re all about empowering the next generation of farmers, especially those from underrepresented communities. 

The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is on a mission to protect the smallest creatures that sustain our ecosystems. This international nonprofit works to protect pollinators, freshwater mussels, fireflies and other often-overlooked invertebrates that play a critical role in safeguarding biodiversity and making sure global food systems stay strong.

March is National Agriculture Month – it’s a time to celebrate our farmers, farmworkers and everyone dedicated to growing our food. It’s also the perfect time to highlight Rogue Farm Corps, an Oregon nonprofit organization training and equipping the next generation of farmers and ranchers through hands-on education.

The Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticide’s (NCAP) work is more important now than ever. They are on a mission to protect community and environmental health and inspire the use of ecologically friendly solutions to reduce the use of pesticides.

During the holidays, food is a central part of celebrations – from feasts to hot cider, it brings us together. But for many people, food is a limited resource and rising prices the past couple of years have made access even harder. That’s where food banks, like the Gallatin Valley Food Bank in Bozeman, Montana step in.

On this Giving Tuesday, we’re introducing you to the amazing recipients of our 2024 Mission Fund giving. We awarded $119,500 in grants to 58 supply chain partners and allies.

Our connection to this land and nature is one of our most vital relationships. To honor that, we must also honor the original peoples of this land.

Marion Polk Food Share’s mission is to bring people together to end hunger and its root causes. And they do that in multiple innovative ways. 

Willamette Riverkeeper (WKR)'s mission is to protect and restore the Willamette River – believing that a river with good water quality and abundant natural habitat that’s safe for fishing and swimming is a basic public right.

Sundance’s tagline, “small enough to meet your neighbors, big enough to meet your needs” is a perfect description – they're a natural foods store that’s been around for over 50 years with a homegrown, hippie vibe in beautiful Eugene, OR.