At Around The Bend Farms, the mission is to build a more connected, equitable, and secure food system in Central Oregon. Their work is rooted in the belief that community health begins with access to locally sourced fresh foods and strong partnerships between producers and residents.

“We have always understood the importance of having a community that is supported and well-nourished by locally sourced fresh foods, and within that framework, the producers and community members work in close partnership,” said Ben Marsh, CEO-founder of Around The Bend Farms. “The challenges that we continue to face today with all-inclusive fresh food access are human-caused, and are quite deeply rooted in a history of systemic inequity. We recognize that our society must break free from this self-imposed crisis and attempt to reach those who have historically been marginalized and often ignored in our communities.”

The Power of Partnership

In 2019, Around the Bend Farms partnered with The Giving Plate in Bend to launch a hydroponic garden project that provided leafy greens for food pantry guests over two years. Today, they continue that partnership while expanding support to food banks and pantries in Bend, Redmond, and Madras.

Their Farm-to-Warm Springs project, launched in 2023, has strengthened connections with the Warm Springs community by delivering fresh produce, helping plan a commercial greenhouse, and supporting nutrition education.

This work aligns with the 2025–2029 Regional Health Improvement Plan (RHIP) goals around Health Access & Quality and Food Security, especially for rural residents, low-income families, and tribal communities.

By focusing on historically marginalized populations—including rural residents, low-income families, and communities of color—Around The Bend Farms is helping close gaps in food access and advance equity across the region. For more information, visit Around the Bend Farms website.

Contact: Ben Marsh, benmarsh@aroundthebendfarms.org