July Change for Good Partner: White Oak Farm

This month, we’re proud to support White Oak Farm, an inspiring organization that blends sustainable farming, environmental education, and community nourishment—right here in Southern Oregon.

White Oak Farm is a working farm and outdoor classroom that grows thousands of pounds of organic produce annually for local schools, food banks, and families in need. But they do so much more than just grow food - they’re cultivating connection, resilience, and opportunity.

School Gardens with Purpose

One of White Oak’s newest and most heartwarming partnerships is with Hidden Valley High School’s Life Skills class. Together with the school’s Woodworking Class (and some donated cedar boards from a local mill), they built raised garden beds to grow veggies and flowers. The vegetables go into a weekly Food Share program that helps over 100 local families, and the flowers are harvested by students and sold as bouquets to staff and families. It’s a beautiful cycle of empowerment, learning, and giving back.

Growing to Share

Through their Produce Share Program, White Oak Farm works with schools and food banks to ensure students and families have access to fresh, organic fruits and veggies. Apples, kale, cheese, ferments - you name it, they’ve probably grown it. This summer, they’re partnering with the Josephine County Food Bank to stock the Williams food pantry, and come fall, they’ll be sharing thousands of pounds of butternut squash, apples, and pears with local schools.

Restoring Lands, Growing Shade

Over the past six years, White Oak Farm has grown over half a million native plants for restoration efforts along Bear Creek, the Rogue River, and beyond. Now, they’re bringing that same energy to our urban neighborhoods. With funding from the Oregon Legislature and support from several partners, they’re launching a new tree-planting initiative aimed at reducing heat in low-income communities - especially those impacted by the Almeda Fire. Thousands of trees will be grown and given away to help cool and re-green the Valley for generations to come.

How You Can Help

When you round up at the register this July, you’re supporting White Oak Farm’s incredible efforts—from school gardens to food equity to climate resilience. Thank you for helping us grow something beautiful, together.

More Co-op News

Meet the 1st Street Beet


Welcome to the newly redesigned and reimagined newsletter from the Ashland Food Co-op: 1st Street Beet.
Think of this publication as a resource to know what’s going on in every level of the community: at the co-op, around town, in the region, and on Earth!

May Day Community Block Party

Photography by Chelsea Whitney Art

On May 1st, several Southern Oregon businesses came together for a block party to provide a space to gather as a community after a rough spell due to the pandemic and fires. The May Day Block Party was hosted on Main St in Phoenix, where the scent of food trucks mingled with artisan goods such as local cheeses, locally farmed flowers, and even fresh-baked pastries.