Health care without harm will strengthen oregons regional food systems through the establishment of the oregon farm to institution collaborative ofic

The purpose of this project is to leverage existing farmtoinstitution initiatives and scale them across the state addressing gaps in market access for producers and enhancing the availability of locally sourced food within oregons institutions. The project will build a community of practice among institutional purchasers government agencies nonprofit organizations and supply chain producers and processors resulting in the creation of a shared vision and common purchasing standards for ofic. Key elements of the project include the recruitment of 200 local producers who will receive education and support to connect with institutional markets the development of five pilot farmtohospital projects with access to institutional land for farmers and the attainment of clarity on valuesbased procurement for 400 institutional partners. This project aims to benefit farmers and processors by improving value chain coordination and access to new markets while simultaneously enhancing the options available to institutions and the consumers they serve including students patients and state employees for accessing locally grown and produced food. The project will facilitate the development of supportive infrastructure including land suitability studies and business planning support contributing to a more robust and resilient food system throughout oregon.