About
Our Mission
We envision a secure, sustainable, and inclusive food system as one in which our farms and food businesses are both ecologically and economically viable, our agricultural lands are supporting a much larger percentage of Lane County’s food needs, and all members of our community have access to locally grown and raised foods. We believe that a strong local food system contributes to the integral health of our entire community and we work to facilitate greater understanding of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of our food choices.
Board of Directors
Kait Crowley
Board President
Owner/Swineherd, PK Pastures
As a first-generation farmer, I began my career in sustainable agriculture over a decade ago from a deeply-felt conviction that local food production is the root of human flourishing and healthy communities. Simply put, I farm to feed people the beautiful, nutrient-dense food we all deserve. On our farm we strive to make our products available to the widest audience of eaters we can and to steward the land in a regenerative way, but individual efforts are only one piece of a much larger puzzle. It’s in our collective work that we’re able to make meaningful strides towards food justice, food equity, and food security. I’m honored to serve on the WFFC Board of Directors to advance these causes with my fellows.
Board President
Owner/Swineherd, PK Pastures
As a first-generation farmer, I began my career in sustainable agriculture over a decade ago from a deeply-felt conviction that local food production is the root of human flourishing and healthy communities. Simply put, I farm to feed people the beautiful, nutrient-dense food we all deserve. On our farm we strive to make our products available to the widest audience of eaters we can and to steward the land in a regenerative way, but individual efforts are only one piece of a much larger puzzle. It’s in our collective work that we’re able to make meaningful strides towards food justice, food equity, and food security. I’m honored to serve on the WFFC Board of Directors to advance these causes with my fellows.
Jenni Timms
Vice President
Owner, Fair Valley Farm
Growing up in Texas, the highlight of my summer was our annual visit to family in Eugene. I remember snacking on cherries at the farmers market, picking fresh veggies and berries in my grandfather’s garden and preparing delicious meals with my grandmother. Little did I know that years later I would be farming in the same area that first sparked my love for fresh, locally grown food. I have seen firsthand the impact that WFFC makes, as it was pivotal in helping us reach local eaters when we started our small farm. I am proud and honored to be a part of an organization that does so much to help spread the local food message through our community.
Vice President
Owner, Fair Valley Farm
Growing up in Texas, the highlight of my summer was our annual visit to family in Eugene. I remember snacking on cherries at the farmers market, picking fresh veggies and berries in my grandfather’s garden and preparing delicious meals with my grandmother. Little did I know that years later I would be farming in the same area that first sparked my love for fresh, locally grown food. I have seen firsthand the impact that WFFC makes, as it was pivotal in helping us reach local eaters when we started our small farm. I am proud and honored to be a part of an organization that does so much to help spread the local food message through our community.
Doug Edwards
Board Treasurer/ Secretary
Retired Attorney
I moved to Eugene from Austin in 2015 with a plan to work on sustainability issues. WFFC provides a wonderful opportunity to address sustainability through the connection of locally-sourced food with local consumers. More locally-sourced food leads to less food being shipped in, a stronger local economy, and a more resilient and healthy community. And, of course, locally-sourced food simply tastes better. I still remember my first taste of a garden-fresh tomato, and wondering why we ate any other kind. I look forward to working with WFFC and seeing what we can continue to do to help make the local food system more accessible to everyone.
Board Treasurer/ Secretary
Retired Attorney
I moved to Eugene from Austin in 2015 with a plan to work on sustainability issues. WFFC provides a wonderful opportunity to address sustainability through the connection of locally-sourced food with local consumers. More locally-sourced food leads to less food being shipped in, a stronger local economy, and a more resilient and healthy community. And, of course, locally-sourced food simply tastes better. I still remember my first taste of a garden-fresh tomato, and wondering why we ate any other kind. I look forward to working with WFFC and seeing what we can continue to do to help make the local food system more accessible to everyone.
Marena Anspach
Since coming to Lane County in the mid '70s, Marena has been part of the local food system, first working in retail and then spending the last 25 years in the wholesale grocery industry. Her profession in organic and specialty grocery sales exposed her to so much about food sourcing and production. The bounty of our area has much to offer and now in retirement, her goal is to keep connecting the local population with wholesome and nutritious food sources. Marena believes that connecting with WFFC will give her the opportunity to utilize her personal interests and career skill set to continue our mission to help our community thrive with boundless access to this rewarding and abundant food system with which we are blessed.
Since coming to Lane County in the mid '70s, Marena has been part of the local food system, first working in retail and then spending the last 25 years in the wholesale grocery industry. Her profession in organic and specialty grocery sales exposed her to so much about food sourcing and production. The bounty of our area has much to offer and now in retirement, her goal is to keep connecting the local population with wholesome and nutritious food sources. Marena believes that connecting with WFFC will give her the opportunity to utilize her personal interests and career skill set to continue our mission to help our community thrive with boundless access to this rewarding and abundant food system with which we are blessed.
Hayley Park
Co-Owner at Underground Seed Co.
Research Assistant at OSU
Hayley is a self-described farmer-scientist. Over the past 10 years her various jobs and studies have carried her to vegetable, flower, seed, and research farms in both Colorado and Oregon. Currently, she’s working on a Masters in Plant Breeding and Genetics at Oregon State University where her research focuses on breeding plants for organic systems, plant-microbe interactions, and farmer-participatory projects. Broadly, she hopes to contribute to larger, ongoing efforts to build a resilient, accessible, local food system. She is inspired by the work the WFFC does to achieve this goal, and is honored to be a part of an organization taking concrete steps to improve the local foodshed for all members of our community.
Co-Owner at Underground Seed Co.
Research Assistant at OSU
Hayley is a self-described farmer-scientist. Over the past 10 years her various jobs and studies have carried her to vegetable, flower, seed, and research farms in both Colorado and Oregon. Currently, she’s working on a Masters in Plant Breeding and Genetics at Oregon State University where her research focuses on breeding plants for organic systems, plant-microbe interactions, and farmer-participatory projects. Broadly, she hopes to contribute to larger, ongoing efforts to build a resilient, accessible, local food system. She is inspired by the work the WFFC does to achieve this goal, and is honored to be a part of an organization taking concrete steps to improve the local foodshed for all members of our community.
Amber Friedman
Program Manager, FOOD For Lane County
Growing up in a small rural town in Alaska, local food was not always accessible. Except for meat from hunting and fishing, most food had to be shipped in from the “Lower 48”. The result was high prices, low quality, and lackluster variety (especially for produce). Having seen firsthand the inefficiencies and inequities of our national food systems, I believe that systemic change is necessary to move towards a sustainable and just food system. I am thrilled join the Willamette Farm and Food Coalition in supporting this important work for our communities and planet. The interconnected nature of food, poverty, health, and community both fascinates and inspires me. I bring to the board, a decade of nonprofit sector experience, a passion for poverty alleviation in all of its forms, and an appreciation for the beauty and abundance of the Willamette Valley.
Program Manager, FOOD For Lane County
Growing up in a small rural town in Alaska, local food was not always accessible. Except for meat from hunting and fishing, most food had to be shipped in from the “Lower 48”. The result was high prices, low quality, and lackluster variety (especially for produce). Having seen firsthand the inefficiencies and inequities of our national food systems, I believe that systemic change is necessary to move towards a sustainable and just food system. I am thrilled join the Willamette Farm and Food Coalition in supporting this important work for our communities and planet. The interconnected nature of food, poverty, health, and community both fascinates and inspires me. I bring to the board, a decade of nonprofit sector experience, a passion for poverty alleviation in all of its forms, and an appreciation for the beauty and abundance of the Willamette Valley.
Staff
Rachael Ward MPH, PMP
Program Coordinator
Rachael Ward has served as the Program Coordinator for WFFC since January 2020. Prior to her current role she was the Event Coordinator for Fill Your Pantry in Fall of 2019. Rachael brings 9 years of experience in the nonprofit sector at the intersection of nutrition, agriculture, and public health. When she's not working with WFFC, Rachael serves as a Project Manager for Farmers Market Coalition where she helps farmers markets, farm stands, and CSAs offer nutrition incentive programs (like Double Up Food Bucks) across the country.
Program Coordinator
Rachael Ward has served as the Program Coordinator for WFFC since January 2020. Prior to her current role she was the Event Coordinator for Fill Your Pantry in Fall of 2019. Rachael brings 9 years of experience in the nonprofit sector at the intersection of nutrition, agriculture, and public health. When she's not working with WFFC, Rachael serves as a Project Manager for Farmers Market Coalition where she helps farmers markets, farm stands, and CSAs offer nutrition incentive programs (like Double Up Food Bucks) across the country.
La’akea Kaufman
Farm to School Procurement Hub Contractor
Farm to School Procurement Hub Contractor
La’akea Kaufman joins WFFC as our Farm to School Procurement Hub Contractor, leading our new role as Lane County’s Farm to School Procurement Hub. They will be tasked with connecting local farmers and school nutrition staff to source more food locally for our county’s school meals. La'akea is a farmer and feeler on Kalapuya land in Brownsville, Oregon. Born and raised on Maui to two curious scientists, their penchant for farming comes from an early indoctrination into awe and observation of the natural world. They've farmed in the Middle East, the South Pacific, and in North, Central and South America. La'akea sweatily engages in the praxis of farming as a means to hold community, feel present in their body, and to nourish as a means of greater liberation. Their background in food justice, public school program management, and community organizing excitedly brings them to the work with WFFC.
La’akea can be reached at f2s@willamettefarmandfood.org
Join Us!
We are excited to announce that we are once more looking to add new voices to our Board of Directors. Our organization is in a period of growth and we are preparing to launch a hiring search for a paid Executive Director in early 2022. We are a small, active board searching for new members who are passionate about food justice and fostering resilient local food systems. Priority will be given to BIPOC candidates, candidates with ties to farmworker or historically disadvantaged and under-served communities, and those with CPA/financial or human resource expertise- but all are encouraged to apply! If you’re interested in joining us in our work, please fill out our prospective board member questionnaire.
Contact Us
Willamette Farm and Food Coalition
info@willamettefarmandfood.org
541-658-0715
P.O. Box 41672
Eugene, OR 97404
© Willamette Farm and Food Coalition 2020
