Central Oregon Locavore (COL) was founded in April, 2009 to educate the Central Oregon community about the health and social benefits of fresh and nutritious food that is sustainably produced by local farmers and ranchers. They are an innovative, 501(c)3 non-profit organization supporting local food and farms through educational programs and a year-round indoor farmers market. With Central Oregon’s high desert location, the growing season is short. Locavore provides access to local food year-round as Bend’s Only Indoor Farmers Market with community space for gathering. They also offer eight educational programs to community members, students, farmers, ranchers, and producers. Along with educating and accessing local food, Locavore also celebrates the season with local farmers, ranchers, and chefs at their many events.

Central Oregon Locavore promotes local food and farmers for the health of the community. They’re working for an ecologically stable and socially just food system in Central Oregon by improving access to fresh, nutrient-dense local food, educating the community about the benefits of sustainably produced food, and supporting farmers and ranchers. There are many outreach programs run by COL to target youth, low-income families, and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. COL was founded by Nicolle Timm, a Bend native who grew up eating fresh seasonal produce from her mother’s garden, grass-fed meat from neighboring ranchers and various local foods of all kinds. She went on to earn a nursing degree and made it her mission to expand access to high-quality, local food.