Columbia Gorge �Food Security Coalition��May 28, 2026
Introductions:��-Name�-Agency or Affiliation�-Favorite seasonal spring food inspired meal
Six Dimensions of Food Security
Columbia Gorge �Food Security Coalition History
2014: Community Health Needs Assessment identified food insecurity as one of the top social and economic needs in the Columbia River Gorge region's Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).
2015: The Columbia Gorge Health Council and One Community Health conducted a survey specific to food insecurity. With more than 2,000 responses from throughout the region, this survey demonstrated that one in three residents worry about running out of food, and one in five miss meals.
2016: Governor Kate Brown officially designated this effort an Oregon Solutions project. A team of producers, distributors, social service agencies, health care providers and community members created a coalition to cooperatively decrease hunger and increase access to quality food throughout the Columbia River Gorge.
Columbia Gorge �Food Security Coalition History
The 2015 Assessment informed a decade of food security and food access programming—from Veggie Rx programs to community gardens, Seed to Supper and food preservation classes, gleaning programs, mobile markets, and food sovereignty and land succession efforts.
Data from the assessment supported grant writing and resulted in over $25 million in grant funding to support this work in the region.
The Food Security Coalition (Coalition) has continued to meet for the last 10 years, responding to local needs and issues as they arise including addressing local natural disasters, funding challenges, and pandemic crises, etc. as well as hosting film screenings and regular convenings.
Columbia Gorge �Food Security Coalition History
2019: Partners were interested in repeating the assessment; the COVID-19 pandemic upended plans as well as food access programs. Federal and state governments stood up numerous support programs and emergency food access opportunities.
In 2023, renewed interest kicked off the assessment process once again and partners began meeting regularly to develop assessment tools and processes through spring 2025.
Between May-November 2025, the Assessment was administered across the 5-county Gorge region, resulting in 1,377 responses.
Partners
Columbia Gorge �Food Security Assessment
2025 REGIONAL SURVEY FINDINGS
INTERACTIVE DATA WALK
Data & Demographics
The survey received responses from 1373 people, representing a wide swath of our community. Many incomes, races, ethnicities, ages, and occupations are represented.
Discussion:
Why a Data Walk
Data shows patterns
Community adds meaning
Together we identify actions
How This Works
Groups of 5-7 rotate through stations every 10 minutes
Discuss what you see in your group
Share your experience
Identify priorities
Station 1: �Food Security Experiences
Discussion:
Station 2: Where People Get Food
Discussion:
Station 3: �Barriers to Access
Discussion:
Station 4: �Food Values
Discussion:
Station 5: Programs & Opportunities
Discussion:
Group Reflection