Produce to Low Income Seniors Program
Sponcers: Siskiyou Sustainable Cooperative (SSC) and ACCESS

Started in 2005, the project provides organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables to low-income seniors in the Rogue Valley. Most of the foodstuffs donated to ACCESS distributed to eligible seniors are canned and dry goods. These foods offer caloric value, but lack the vitality, taste, and vitamins and minerals available in fresh produce. The goals of this project are to offer wholesome, delicious and locally grown vegetables to seniors in need, while also providing a market opportunity for small, organic farmers in the Rogue Valley.

Siskiyou Sustainable Cooperative has teamed up with ACCESS the to run this program. Siskiyou Sustainable Cooperative (SSC) farmers grow crops specifically for the Produce to Seniors Project. Siskiyou CoOp (SSC) staff, box and transport the produce to ACCESS as part of the weekly produce food box delivery. Then ACCESS distributes the produce through the Senior Brown Bag program and various food pantries in the Rogue Valley. The Project is highly effective because it takes advantage of existing programs and infrastructure within two functioning organizations.

Siskiyou CoOp and ACCESS are pleased to report that we recently received a 2006 Ashland Food Cooperative Community Grant for $1,000 to help fund the Produce to Senior Program.

This year we are asking members to help support this program.
We have received a generous 3:1 matching grant (for every $1 we raise, we are matched $3).
Contributions are tax-deductible, and
Checks should be made out to ACCESS and sent to Siskiyou CoOp,
7000 Little Applegate Road Jacksonville, OR 97530.