(Chef Thor Erickson | Photo courtesy of High Desert Food & Farm Alliance)
The High Desert Food & Farm Alliance (HDFFA) is transforming their Fresh Harvest Kits into delicious take-home meals with specially procured local ingredients from regional farmers, ranchers and food businesses. You can choose from a ready-to-make meal kit or take it up a notch and order a fully prepared meal by Thor Erickson from the Cascade Culinary Institute — both available now for pre-order. This mostly virtual fundraiser highlights deliciously grown, raised and crafted foods available from area producers and food businesses.
Each meal kit is specially designed by HDFFA and includes an appetizer, main course, spice packet, dessert and a beverage of your choice and is available with vegetarian, vegan, dairy and gluten-free options. Chef Erickson will be tantalizing taste buds with a special meal made in the Cascade Culinary Institute’s food truck. Purchase either meal option online at HDFFA’s Store by September 21. On October 2, folks can pick up their order at the COCC Cascade Culinary Institute, where HDFFA will deliver everything to you in your car! More event details are available at hdffa.org/harvestbox.
HDFFA supports Central Oregon’s community of farmers, ranchers and food businesses to provide local food. They help make this food accessible for everyone with a focus on underserved residents.
Proceeds from this event will benefit HDFFA’s Food Access Program, including Fresh Harvest Kits: a ready-to-make meal kit that pairs fresh vegetables with pantry staples along with a recipe to create a nutritious and delicious meal on a budget. HDFFA collaborates with local farms and hunger relief agencies to offer these kits at regional food pantries.
“Last year, HDFFA provided 1,173 Fresh Harvest Kits to a record number of area hunger relief agencies, increasing availability of fresh produce by 2000+ pounds to pantry clients. This fundraiser takes that meal kit model and allows us to showcase many of the amazing partners we work with while also raising awareness and funding for our food access programs. We hope this event further connects our community to local food in a safe and interactive wa,.” said Carrie Mack, HDFA community engagement manager.
This event is sponsored in part by HydroFlask. Ingredients are being sourced from Jackson’s Corner, Nancy P’s, Miyagi Ramen, Savory Spice Shop, Root Cellar Bend, Zajac Farms, Golden Eagle Organics, Blissful Spoon, Vaquero Valley Ranch, Deschutes Gourmet Mushrooms and more. Beverage options include an El Sancho craft cocktail, Mecca Grade Estate Malt beer and Compassion Kombucha.
