The Latino population in Yamhill County has grown significantly, increasing by about 185% between 1990 and 2010. Yet the needs of Latino and lower-income residents have not always been reflected in Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener programming.
To better serve these communities, OSU Extension Master Gardeners in Yamhill County partnered with the Oregon Food Bank and Yamhill Community Action Partnership (YCAP) to offer the Seed to Supper program. In 2020, the program evolved into Garden to Table, which continues to deliver free, hands-on food gardening education with bilingual instruction and mentorship.
Garden to Table is increasing access to healthy food, reducing grocery costs and building community connections.
In spring 2023, 82 people completed the six-week Garden to Table course — 47 in English and 35 in Spanish. Classes were held at community gardens in Newberg, McMinnville and Ballston, with 20 Master Gardeners serving as instructors and mentors.
Raised beds or free garden space were provided to all spring participants thanks to grant support from the Siletz Charitable Contribution Fund and OnPoint Community Credit Union, totaling $7,000. A total of 77 raised beds were built, and participants also received seeds, soil, and 1,700 vegetable plant starts.
Gardeners who didn’t have yard space were matched with local plots in community gardens. Nine existing beds were renovated at St. Michael’s Church in Newberg to support new growers.
Because of continued community interest, a general gardening class for non-low-income residents was offered in fall 2023 and filled with 23 participants. This group did not receive raised beds but still benefited from hands-on gardening education.
A post-season survey showed powerful outcomes. Thirty-three percent of participants said they ate 1–2 more servings of vegetables per week, and 57% ate three or more.
The average participant saved $30.70 per week on groceries during the growing season. Nearly all — 97% — said they plan to grow food again in 2024.
Eighty-five percent of respondents reported a positive impact on their dietary habits and overall health. The food grown in participants’ gardens also benefited other family members, with up to 250 individuals positively affected.
Participants submitted garden photos, harvest updates and written reflections about their experiences. Many expressed appreciation for learning new skills, connecting with mentors and having access to fresh, homegrown food.
Community support was essential to the program’s success. In addition to grant funding, local organizations donated space, supplies and logistical help.
By delivering bilingual, inclusive gardening education, Garden to Table is increasing access to healthy food, reducing grocery costs and building community connections. OSU Extension and its partners continue to grow a stronger, more resilient Yamhill County — one garden at a time.
