Eating Local on a Budget
Local Food Should Be Within Reach
Local food is nourishment, dignity, and community. Across the Willamette Valley, there are programs and practical strategies that make fresh, locally grown food more affordable — while keeping food dollars circulating in our regional economy.
Use food access programs
SNAP at Farmers Markets
Find SNAP-Friendly Farmers MarketsDid you know many farmers markets in Oregon accept SNAP/EBT and offer matching programs like Double Up Food Bucks, helping your food dollars go even further while supporting local farmers? Visit the Oregon Farmers Markets Association’s market finder to discover SNAP-accepting markets near you.
Learn more: oregonfarmersmarkets.org/find-a-market
Use SNAP, support local farms, and help grow a more resilient food system for our communities.
Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB)
By the Farmers Market Fund
Spend $20 in SNAP and receive up to $20 more in Double Up Food Bucks to use at participating farmers markets and farm stands.
Use Double Up Food Bucks on:
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Mushrooms
Legumes
Edible plant starts
More fresh food for your household. More support for local farms.
Learn more and find participating markets: doubleuporegon.org
Farm Direct Nutrition Program (FDNP)
The Farm Direct Nutrition Program helps eligible WIC families and seniors purchase fresh food directly from local farmers.
Participants receive seasonal checks that can be spent with approved farmers at markets and farm stands across Oregon.
A simple way to eat seasonally while supporting local growers.
Learn more:oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYPEOPLEFAMILIES/WIC/Pages/farm-direct.aspx
Smart Ways to stretch your food Dollars
Join a CSA
Community Supported Agriculture shares often lower weekly grocery costs. Many farms offer sliding scale pricing, payment plans, and SNAP options. Consider splitting a share with a neighbor.
Find a CSA near you with PNWCSA: https://www.pnwcsa.org/find-a-farm
Buy in Bulk
Storage crops and staples are often cheaper per pound when purchased in bulk. Look to local co-ops, buying clubs, Hummingbird Wholesale, and WFFC’s Fill Your Pantry event each fall.
Preserve the Harvest
Freeze berries. Dry herbs. Store grains. Buying during peak season and preserving helps you eat local year-round.
Shop Peak Season
Prices often drop when crops are abundant. If something feels expensive early in the season, check back soon.
Choose Plant Proteins (and Whole Animal Options)
Local lentils, dry beans, and grains are affordable, versatile, and nutrient-dense.If purchasing meat, consider splitting a quarter or half animal with friends to reduce per-pound cost.
Glean & Learn
Join a gleaning group to harvest surplus produce.Take free or low-cost classes through OSU Extension, FOOD for Lane County, Huerto de la Familia, and FoodHero.org for budget-friendly recipes and meal planning tools.
Local Food For all
A Program of Willamette Farm & Food Coalition
WFFC’s Local Food for All programs work to expand access to local food across the Valley. Through partnerships with farmers markets and community organizations, we help increase the purchasing power of SNAP households and strengthen regional food systems at the same time.
When you use SNAP and incentive programs at local markets, you are participating in a model that supports both your family and local farmers.
Food access is food justice. Local food should be accessible to everyone.
