Central Oregon Locavore is Expanding: Bringing the Harvest to the West Side of Bend

In the heart of the High Desert, where the growing season is short and the community spirit is long, a quiet revolution in food security is taking root. Central Oregon Locavore, the region’s premier nonprofit indoor farmers market, has officially announced its expansion to the west side of Bend. This move marks a pivotal moment for the organization, which has spent over fifteen years advocating for a "farmer-first" economy.

Picture: bendbulletin.com

For residents on the west side, the arrival of a Locavore satellite market means easier access to nutrient-dense, locally grown produce and meats. For the farmers of Central Oregon, it represents something even more vital: a scalable opportunity to turn their passion into a sustainable livelihood.

Listening to the Land: The 2025 Surveys

The decision to expand wasn’t made in a vacuum. Throughout 2025, Central Oregon Locavore conducted an intensive series of surveys and listening sessions with its most critical stakeholders. While issues like water rights and labor costs are perennial challenges for Oregon agriculture, they weren't the primary focus of the feedback received.

Founder and Executive Director Nicolle Timm-Branch highlights a clear, two-fold message that emerged from these sessions:

1. From Producers: "We don't need more passion or promotion; we need more sales."
2. From Consumers: "We need more access. We need it to be easier to get to local food."

These twin demands have become the North Star for Locavore’s strategy over the next decade. The expansion to the west side—specifically targeting the high-growth Discovery West neighborhood—is the direct answer to this call for better infrastructure.

Closing the Infrastructure Gap

Central Oregon is home to an incredible roster of over 150 farmers, ranchers, and food artisans. From the organic vegetable rows of Sungrounded Farm to the regenerative pastures of local cattle ranches, the capacity to grow more food exists. The public demand for that food is also at an all-time high, driven by a community that values health, environmental stewardship, and the local economy.

"What's lacking is the infrastructure to bring both sides together," says Timm-Branch.

Unlike traditional grocery stores that operate on thin margins and often squeeze producers, Locavore’s nonprofit model returns 65 cents of every dollar directly to the farmer. This "farmer-first" approach ensures that growers can reinvest in their land and employees. By opening a second location, Locavore is effectively doubling the "shelf space" available to local producers without compromising their income.

Why the West Side?

Bend’s geography has shifted significantly over the last decade. As the city grows toward the Cascades, the convenience of the current NE Third Street location can be a barrier for those living on the west side.

• Reduced Traffic: Residents can now shop local without crossing the Parkway.
• Year-Round Access: Unlike seasonal outdoor markets, the new satellite will provide local provisions through the harsh winter months.
• Neighborhood Integration: Placing the market in a residential hub like Discovery West encourages "walkable" food sourcing, reducing the carbon footprint of the weekly grocery run.

Phase One: The Rooted & Rising Strategy

The west side satellite is only the beginning. Dubbed "Phase One" of a multi-year expansion plan, this new location serves as a pilot for a scalable model. The goal is to eventually plant "satellite" markets in various growing neighborhoods throughout Central Oregon, meeting people where they live.

To fund this vision, Central Oregon Locavore has launched a $200,000 capital campaign. This investment will cover the buildout of the new space, including essential cold storage and inventory management systems necessary to keep local food fresh and available.

Join the Movement at the Rooted & Rising Gala

The nonprofit will unveil the exact location and further details of the expansion at their 10th annual Rooted & Rising Gala on April 24, 2026. Held at the Tetherow Event Pavilion, the evening will feature a farm-to-table dinner where farmers themselves are seated among the guests—a physical representation of the connection Locavore strives to build.

The Economic Impact of Buying Local

When you spend a dollar at a chain grocery store, only about 28 cents stay in the local economy. At Locavore, because of their unique model and commitment to regional sourcing, that number jumps significantly. Choosing the local indoor market isn't just a win for your health; it’s a direct investment in the resilience of Central Oregon.

As the west side location prepares to open its doors, the message to the community is clear: the farmers are ready, the families are ready, and now, the infrastructure is finally catching up.

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