HOW

STARTED

An Investment 

Lane Community Health Council (LCHC) announced a significant investment of nearly $12 million in Lane County through a Shared Savings grant to support local community health projects. One of the key initiatives funded by this grant is a comprehensive Food Security Project that will improve access to nutritious food for 5 years in Lane County through a $4.5 million investment. 

A Commitment

LCHC is committed to promoting community health and wellness through strategic investments and partnerships. By collaborating with local organizations.

LCHC aims to address critical health needs and foster sustainable health solutions in Lane County. 

Overview

The Grow Lane County Project is a collaborative effort between LCHC, Food for Lane County, the Upper Willamette Soil & Water Conservation District, and the Food Systems Consultant, Ensoterra. The project is designed to enhance individual and community health and develop a more robust food system through increased knowledge of and accessible to locally grown fresh food for urban and rural residents.  

Our Focus Areas

  • Expanding Food Quality
    Ensuring that all residents have access to and the knowledge about how to utilize nutritious fresh foods. 

  • Addressing Disparities
    Providing food access for the most food insecure and education tailored to address health needs. 

  • Reducing Hospital Readmissions
    Implementing patient-centered education opportunities to promote healthy eating habits and prevent hospital readmittance and chronic diseases.  

Outcomes

This project will significantly benefit residents who experience high levels of food insecurity through greater resource access that results in improved health choices, health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

Lane County agricultural producers will play a crucial role in this initiative by providing fresh foods and benefiting from increased support and resources through grant funding.

Hunger relief agencies will have greater access to more fresh foods from farmers through the regional food bank, as well as grant funding opportunities. This initiative is a model of how community partners can unite to enhance public health outcomes.