Rogue Valley Community Food Assessment & Action Plan

RV Community Food Assessment

From 2020-2024, the Rogue Valley Food System Network, in collaboration with a wide range of community organizations, businesses and government agencies, led a three-year food assessment of Jackson and Josephine County. The results of the research can be found in the 2025 State of the Food System Report – the Rogue Valley Community Food Assessment.

RV Food Action Plan

The 2025-2030 Rogue Valley Community Food Action Plan arose out of the findings of the 2025 Rogue Valley Community Food Assessment (RVCFA). Four primary goals were identified, as well as 16 objectives and more than 100 action items. The Action Plan is a working document and provides a roadmap for achieving a thriving food system in the Rogue Valley.

Building a Resilient Local Food System Together

The Rogue Valley is experiencing an extraordinary transformation in our local food system. From the surge in small-scale farming to the challenges of climate change, our community faces both exciting opportunities and significant challenges in creating a sustainable, equitable food system that serves everyone.

Our Vision

A thriving, equitable, and resilient food system in the Rogue Valley that supports:

  • Economic vitality for our region
  • Local farmers and food producers
  • Access to healthy food for all residents
  • Environmental sustainability

Four Priority Goals

  1. Reduce Hunger and Ensure Access for All: Making healthy, fresh, affordable food available to all community members
  2. Invest in Our Local Food and Farm Economy: Supporting farmers, food producers, and businesses to strengthen our regional economy
  3. Protect and Restore Soil and Water Health: Protecting our soil and water resources through sustainable farming practices
  4. Reduce Food Waste: Creating efficient systems to minimize waste and maximize resource use

Why This Matters

Our assessment, involving over 2,000 community members, reveals both challenges and opportunities:

  • 50% increase in local producers since 2012
  • Growing interest in local food production and distribution
  • Need for improved infrastructure to support small farms
  • Critical importance of addressing food security and climate resilience

Get Involved

Your participation is vital to creating a stronger food system. Here’s how you can help:

  • Join working groups focused on our priority goals
  • Connect with local food system initiatives
  • Support local farmers and food producers
  • Share your expertise and ideas

Ready to Make a Difference?

Your participation is vital to creating a stronger food system. Here’s how you can help:

Together, we can build a food system that nourishes our community, supports our farmers, and protects our environment for generations to come.

Previous Food Assessments for Jackson and Josephine Counties:

Jackson County Community Food Assessment, 2013

Read the assessment.

Author
Hannah Ancel, ACCESS

Editorial Team
Philip Yates, ACCESS
Wendy Siporen, Thrive

Advisors
Sharon Thornberry, Oregon Food Bank
Rogue Valley Food System Steering Committee

 

Josephine County Food Assessment, 2012

Looking at Food Security in Josephine County. Read the assessment.

Primary Authors and Researchers
Jillian Tucker, JoCo Food Bank, RARE
Sarah Jane Smith, JoCo Food Bank, AmeriCorps
Sam Engel, JoCo Food Bank

Contributing Authors, Researchers, and Editors
Susan Scheuffele, JoCo Food Bank
Spencer Masterson, Ten Rivers Food Web, RARE

Collaborators
Josephine County Food Bank
Sharon Thornberry, Oregon Food Bank
The Rogue Valley Food System Planning Process

Interested in Learning More?

* indicates required
sponsor logos
Thanks to our sponsors: United Way of Jackson County, Jackson Care Connect, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Organically Grown Co, Oregon Food Bank, Oregon State University Extension Service, Medford Co-op, Rogue Creamery, AllCare Health, and Ashland Food Co-op.