Fresh, Local Foods for All: Advocacy in Action
At Adelante Mujeres, we believe that access to fresh, local foods is not just a privilege—it’s a fundamental right. Through our advocacy and programming, we are working to ensure that all children and families, regardless of income or immigration status, can nourish themselves with fresh, local foods that reflect their heritage and support their well-being.
Planting the Seeds for Lifelong Healthy Habits
The Farm to School Grant Program has been transformative for the families we serve. Thanks to these grants, we’ve broken down barriers to accessing fresh produce, providing nutritious food and also education, empowerment, and a stronger sense of belonging in our community.
Our Children’s Farmers' Market is one example of this impact in action. Here, young children receive "farmers’ market dollars" to select their own fruits and vegetables, making independent choices about their nutrition. When kids take ownership of their food, they are far more likely to eat it. This small but powerful act fosters curiosity, confidence, and a positive relationship with food that lasts a lifetime.
“What’s so impactful,” says Francia Yera, Child Nutrition Coordinator at Adelante Mujeres, “is when parents share stories of their children becoming food explorers—tasting, questioning, and developing their own preferences. Instead of rejecting foods outright, they are learning to experience them for themselves, carrying these habits into adulthood.”
We’re advocating for continued funding of $12 million for the Farm to School program in the Oregon Department of Education’s budget.
Strengthening Child Nutrition
Food is more than nourishment—it is a connection to culture, identity, and community. Yet, many childcare providers who make fresh, culturally relevant meals possible are struggling to keep up with rising food and labor costs. Current reimbursement rates under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) do not reflect the true cost of providing high-quality meals, leaving many programs stretched thin or at risk of shutting down.
HB 3201 is a crucial step forward and more than just a funding adjustment—it is an investment in the health, dignity, and future of our children. We urge legislators to support this bill that will increase meal reimbursements, ensure equitable support for home-based providers, and fund culturally specific menu development.
Food for All Oregonians
Through Adelante Mujeres’ Produce Prescription (Rx) Program, we have witnessed firsthand how access to fresh produce leads to significant health improvements for families with diet-related chronic illnesses. Senate Bill 611, Food for All Oregonians, would ensure that youth and elderly Oregonians, regardless of immigration status, have access to the food they need to stay healthy. Ensuring equitable access to food is essential to the well-being of our communities, and we strongly urge legislators to support this bill.
Moving Forward Together
At Adelante Mujeres, we believe that investing in fresh, local food is an investment in the future—one where children grow up with a healthy relationship with food, families have the resources they need to thrive, and communities are stronger and more resilient. Through our advocacy for Farm to School, HB 3201, and SB 611, we are working toward a more just and equitable food system that ensures everyone, regardless of their background, can access the nourishment they deserve.
Together, we can create a community where fresh, local food is accessible, celebrated, and a source of empowerment for all.