Grand Opening of Central Oregon Locavore Non-Profit Set for February 15

Central Oregon Locavore is a local-product grocery, online farmers market and local food education center. Meet local farmers and food producers, enjoy food and drink tastings and enjoy live music on Friday from 10am to 8pm.

When: Friday, February 15, 10am-8pm Open House Saturday, February 16, 8pm-1am Locavore Loves U Grand Opening Dance Party and Fundraiser

Where: Central Oregon Locavore, 1216 NE First St Bend

The “Locavore Loves U Grand Opening Dance Party and Fundraiser” will be held Saturday, February 16^th in the evening from 8pm -1am. This event will feature DJ bPollen and DJ Swett, Stationary Bike Races by Bend Velo and Cascade Couriers with races and prizes. Locavore will be serving up locally-sourced, freshly made pink pancakes and mixed drinks of all varieties. Beer will be generously provided by Phat Matt’s of Redmond and Mixed drinks by Oregon Spirit Distilleries!

Central Oregon Locavore was founded in April 2010 by Nicolle Timm, a Bend native, and became a non-profit in December 2012.

Central Oregon Locavore began as an online-only farmers market and rapidly expanded into educational programs that engaged the community around local food issues. In summer 2011 Locavore responded to the request of its many supporters and began fundraising to open a local food headquarters and brick-and-mortar marketplace.

Locavore was successful in its fundraising and was able to obtain a 3,200 squarefoot building that includes a local foods marketplace, (now open Wed. – Sun from noon to 6pm), large event space that will be used to host workshops, classes and community events as well as farm to table dinners. Locavore has expanded its vision to include more community outreach to low-income and vulnerable populations. Locavore currently accepts SNAP cards (food stamps) and their application for accepting WIC Vouchers is in process.

Central Oregon Locavore also hosts several health and wellness programs such as the “Mommy and Me Breastfeeding Support Group” (organized by St Charles) and Oregon Breastfeeding Coalition meetings.

The intent of Central Oregon Locavore is to provide an educational hub providing greater access to local food and community outreach programs. Its mission is to help create a more ecologically and socially just food system that supports greater  community wellness, public health, and the local economy.

Central Oregon Locavore is soliciting sponsors and supporters to help sustain this vital community resource. Business and individuals who wish to become sponsors will be granted lifetime “Founding Sponsor” status at Central Oregon Locavore. All deductions are tax-deductible. For more information about becoming a sponsor/supporter please visit their website.

For more information about the Grand Opening Open House and Locavore Loves U Grand Opening Dance Party as well as other activities please visit their website at www.centraloregonlocavore.org