The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Sisters' agricultural education outreach program and the weekly Farmers Market just got a welcome infusion of nutrients to nurture its seeds.

The Ford Family Foundation (TFFF) awarded a grant for $25,000 to Seed to Table's (S2T) educational programming, which serves close to 1,500 student visits per year through farm-based education both on the S2T farm and in the classroom. The K-6 Field Trip Series, Sisters High School Agriculture Program, Farm Education Teacher Training, and Youth Summer Farm Camps are some of the S2T offerings in Sisters Country.

The Ford Family Foundation grant brings much-needed support for S2T programming that enhances and enriches educational offerings of the Sisters School District.

"There's magic that happens on the farm when students arrive: new flavors, new discoveries, and new connections are built every time. It's only possible due to community support, like TFFF. We're so grateful to offer these kids the best learning experiences," said Audrey Tehan, executive director.

S2T's leadership of the Sisters Farmers Market (SFM) continues to inspire a lively scene each Sunday at Fir Street Park. The Market is continuing last year's hearty attendance of locals and tourists looking for fresh, locally sourced foods as well as products made by small-batch makers. Farmers markets are the sole income for many farmers, ranchers, and artisans around the country. But there's often a gap between being profitable and supporting the community. S2T, the organization managing the Market, applied for assistance from Citizens4Community and the Farmers Market Fund.

Citizens4Community (C4C) awarded a $1,000 grant in April to the Sisters Farmers Market.

"These two grants have been critical to allowing us to continue making the SFM a space for community connections. Funders allow us to amplify and build relationships with nonprofits in our region as well as ensure equitable access to fresh foods through the continuation of offering SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks Programs," said Market Manager Willa Bauman.

The Farmers Market Fund awarded SFM a $700 grant. In close partnership with the Oregon Farmers Market Association, the Farmers Market Fund provides support and training to participating farmers markets. This includes bookkeeping support, SNAP technical assistance, anti-racism & DEI training, and many tools and templates to support their work. Their goal is to encourage and empower farmers market managers to build markets that truly serve their individual communities - from the shoppers to the producers.

For more information visit seedtotableoregon.org/10years or contact Audrey Tehan, [email protected].