About Food as Medicine Oregon
Turning the Vision of a Healthier Oregon into Reality
Imagine an Oregon where chronic disease is no longer the leading cause of death. A state where every resident has the knowledge, skills, and community support to use food as medicine to protect and restore their health.
Food as Medicine Oregon is dedicated to making this vision a reality.
Our Story
Founded in 2010, Food as Medicine Oregon has spent over 15 years building a trusted, community-driven movement in rural southern Oregon. We are not a new experiment—we are a proven solution.
In the last year alone, we served 6,500 individuals through 200 events, offering more than 20 unique programs in partnership with 20 local organizations. Our work is grounded in the best available scientific evidence. We do not promote any specific ideology or require participants to adopt a particular label. Instead, we provide practical, hands-on training that helps people prevent, suspend, and reverse chronic illness.
Our Approach
Anyone ready to take an active role in their health is welcome to participate. We meet people where they are, whether they are managing a chronic condition, supporting a family member, or simply looking to feel better. While our roots are deep in rural southern Oregon, our programs and resources reach people across the entire state (and beyond).
Participants come from many walks of life, including low-income families, seniors, youth, those in recovery, and those facing mental health challenges. Everyone deserves access to practical, evidence-based nutrition education that fits their life and budget. No matter your background or starting point, you will find a supportive, judgment-free space to learn the skills you need to thrive.
Partnerships with medical providers and community organizations complement clinic care and integrate lifestyle and nutrition education into existing community programs. Questions about partnering? Get in touch.
Our work is supported by funders such as Umpqua Health and AllCare Health, a Medical Advisory Board, a Board of Directors, and more than 20 partnering community organizations working alongside us.
History
Food as Medicine Oregon started in 2010 in Roseburg, Oregon with a group of individuals interested in holding healthy community potlucks. From the start, these gatherings paired food with education—guest speakers, cooking demonstrations, and practical tips for healthier living. More than a decade later, the Community Potluck remains a cornerstone of the organization, bringing people together from across the state to build connection and wellness.
In 2016, this group formally incorporated as the nonprofit UC-VEG to expand its reach. Over the years, the work grew far beyond potlucks. The organization now offers more than 20 programs, including the Lifestyle & Nutrition Course, diabetes education, Eating Healthy on a Budget, cooking classes, garden workshops, shopping tours and more. These programs serve a wide range of people to support healthy lifestyle practices.
As the mission deepened, the name evolved into Food as Medicine Oregon to better reflect the core approach: using evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle skills to prevent, pause, and reverse chronic illness.
Today, the Community Potluck remains a beloved tradition, and the impact reaches thousands across rural Oregon through partnerships with medical providers and community organizations.
Ready to Learn More?
Explore our programs, view our impact report, or contact the team to learn more.