Food
Systems
Whether it is engaging in the conservation of diverse and connected native pollinator habitats or supporting the next generation of producers through on-the-ground training, education and resources, we are committed to a shared and equitable food future for our region. Our current Food Systems programs include organic education programming, a campaign to establish a shared community commerical kitchen in Salmon, a pilot Produce Prescription program, hosting the Lemhi County Farmers Market, and facilitating community conversations about our local food system!
Help Salmon Valley Stewardship Launch a Community Kitchen
Cultivating Rural Resilience and Food Sovereignty Through a Shared Commercial Kitchen
Salmon Valley Stewardship (SVS), in collaboration with multiple community partners, is creating a centralized, shared commercial kitchen where local producers and food entrepreneurs can process, add value to, and distribute their products. This kitchen will support new connections to regional markets, support local food production, improve access to healthy local food, and strengthen food sovereignty in our rural community. While funding for the basics of the mobile kitchen unit and walk-in cooler has been secured through a USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure grant, we need extra support to make the space fully functional and ready to serve local food businesses. Our goal is to open this kitchen in Fall 2025. Read more on our Go Fund Me page and consider making a donation to help start this food sovereignty project.
Click the button below for the GoFundMe campaign:
In 2025, Salmon Valley Stewardship launched a whole year of farmer/gardener education, a season of organics! Through the Transition to Organics Partnership Program (TOPP), SVS is bringing a whole host of exciting workshops to the Salmon community this year. Our TOPP programs in fall 2024 were a huge success, and included an organic garlic workshop, and a discussion on raising poultry. This year topics include seed starting with organic potting mixes, wild harvesting, organic seed school, and discussions on organic gardening, ranching, and farming. These are hands-on learning experiences, workshops, discussions and field days to support local farmers, growers, and community members as they explore the benefits of organic farming. Stay tuned through our newsletter and via social media to hear about our workshops, farm tours, and more as we nurture healthier soils, sustainable practices, and a thriving local food system.
For more information about TOPP events, contact Garret, our Local Food & Agriculture Manager at garretstahl@salmonvalley.org
Intro to Organic Certification Webinar
Transition to Organic Partnership Program funding from the USDA has allowed us to put on a series of educational workshops about organic farming starting in fall 2024. While most workshops we hold are in-person, here's a recording of a webinar we hosted in June 2025. Presenter Lee Blahato gives an introductory presentation about Organic certification, including free mentoring opportunities and local contacts for the Salmon Valley area.
More Food Systems Initiatives
Lemhi County Farmers Market
The Lemhi County Farmers Market was started by SVS over 15 years ago with the aim of increasing access to fresh, locally produced, and healthy food as well as creating a space where small businesses could thrive. Since then, the market has grown into a great community resource for both artisans and local farms and food businesses. Now managed as part of our Sustainable Foods Program, the market runs every Saturday from June through September at Veterans Memorial Park in Salmon. Click the button to the left to go to the Farmers Market website!
SVS Launches Pilot Produce Prescription Program in Salmon
SVS, in partnership with Steel Memorial Medical Center, Mountain Harvest Community Market, and the University of Idaho Extension, has launched an exciting new pilot program aimed at improving community health through fresh food access.
The Produce Prescription Program is a six-month initiative in which healthcare providers “prescribe” fresh fruits and vegetables to patients facing food insecurity or diet-related health conditions. Participating patients receive a bi-weekly box of fresh, locally grown produce—free of charge. The goal? To support healthier eating habits, improve health outcomes, and increase access to nutritious local food! We kicked off our local pilot program in June with 6 participants and their families.
This model is gaining traction across the country as a promising way to address both chronic disease and food insecurity at the same time. By connecting local farmers with healthcare providers and community organizations, programs like this one not only nourish individuals but strengthen the entire local food system.
SVS is proud to be coordinating and funding this pilot program through a combination of small private donations and organizational funds. However, additional support is needed to keep the program going and to expand its reach. If you feel passionate about local food access, preventative healthcare, or building a resilient rural community, we invite you to help us grow this effort in the Salmon Valley!
To learn more or contribute to the Produce Prescription Program, please contact Maggie Seaberg (maggieseaberg@salmonvalley.org) or you can donate online at www.salmonvalley.org/givetoday and specify that your donation is for the Produce Rx program!
Sustainable Food System Discussion Group
SVS food systems staff is working to facilitate a regular discussion group centered on our local food system. The group is open to all local producers, growers, eaters - so basically everyone!
Next meeting is set for Thursday, July 10th at 5:30 pm.
Location: SVS Gathering Space, 115 S. Center Street in Salmon.
At the last discussion we discussed opening up pathways of regional food from Salmon to/from the Bitterroot Valley, options for a community commercial kitchen in the area, and challenges and solutions in the world of food and agriculture. We want to hear from you and collaborate to improve this area's food system! Hope to see you there. For more info or if you can't attend but would like to submit input or receive updates, please email Cameron at cameronrolle@salmonvalley.org
Salmon-Challis Comprehensive Food Systems Feasibility Study
Be sure to check out our recent Salmon-Challis Comprehensive Food Assessment, completed in the fall of 2022. This is a road map to where we are and the many exciting and possible directions we could go as we explore our food system.
Food Assistance in Lemhi County
In fall 2024 we created a resource document consolidating and updating food assistance resources available in Lemhi County, including food banks, food pantries, and free meal programs. This document was produced with help from Idaho Foodbank.