Seed to Table expanding its capacity

The Seed to Table Farm team is looking forward to the year ahead,

especially after the farm was buried under deep snow and ice these past few weeks. Seed to Table’s 10th anniversary brought an abundance of firsts, including record-breaking harvests feeding hundreds of Central Oregonians weekly and the greatest community engagement yet across Sisters Farmers Market visitors, produce share members, and student field trips. With a strong foundation beneath them, they’re looking ahead to another fantastic year.

On January 4, Holly Haddad began her new position as executive director, working closely with Founder and now Farm Director Audrey Tehan. With the Board and Tehan’s guidance, Haddad is digging into the organization’s culture, relationships, past accomplishments, and future goals. Haddad’s first days on the job were spent with Program Director, Hannah Joseph helping students explore flavors of curry made with carrots and squash. The winter cooking classes are some of Seed to Table’s newest extensions into school programming for more year-round programming.

Farm program names new director

Audrey Tehan and Holly Haddad will work together as Seed to Table's programs continue to grow.

The Sisters-based farm and educational outreach program Seed to Table has named Holly Haddad as the new executive director starting January 4, 2024. With a 25-year background in food systems development, nonprofit management, and agriculture, Haddad brings years of experience to the organization. The nonprofit is celebrating 10 years of success and growth led by the passion, skilled guidance, and depth of knowledge of founder and current executive director Audrey Tehan, who is moving into the organization's new position of farm director.

Sisters Country’s Seed to Table invites new donors during year-end matching campaign

Becoming a new Seed to Table donor will have its biggest impact ever with a new donor campaign backed by a matching gift of up to $20,000.

Thanks to a generous donor, any donations from first-time donors will be matched. They have a goal to bring in 100 new donors with gifts of any size. Seed to Table’s program supports many aspects of life in Sisters Country. If folks have enjoyed the Sisters Farmers Market, have had a student excited about where their food comes from after a farm field trip, or enjoyed a S2T veggie pickup at one of their 12 distribution points, S2T is thankful for the involvement. Celebrating their tenth anniversary serving the community, the reach of S2T has grown drastically, serving thousands each year and growing nearly 100,000 pounds of fresh produce. 

Finding purpose and answers on the farm

Annie Cohen found her calling on the farm.

Annie Cohen sat in her dorm room at Washington State University between classes. She wanted to share her high school experiences learning and growing through Seed to Table (S2T) farm and the Sisters High School greenhouse class. She transformed from a student without direction to a focused young woman with a plan to pursue a career in environmental science.

Seed to Table changes leadership structure

Audrey Tehan has led Seed to Table in creating access to locally grown foods. She is transitioning into a role as farm director while the organization seeks a new executive director.

Celebrating their 10th anniversary, Seed to Table (S2T) has grown into an integral part of Sisters Country. Farming in the High Desert is no easy task, but founder and current Executive Director Audrey Tehan found a way. With the skilled hands of Tehan and the S2T farm team, locally grown produce is more readily accessible to community members. With all that's been achieved by developing S2T as a nonprofit organization, the board and staff agree it's time to broaden the staff leadership team.

Seed to Table in Sisters expands leadership team, seeks new executive director

Celebrating their tenth anniversary, Seed to Table has grown into an integral part of Sisters Country.

Farming in the High Desert is no easy task, but founder and current Executive Director, Audrey Tehan found a way. With the skilled hands of Tehan and the S2T farm team, locally grown produce is more readily accessible to community members. With all that’s been achieved by developing S2T as a non-profit organization, the board and staff agree it’s time to broaden the staff leadership team.

Community gathered for harvest dinner

The community gathered to eat, drink, and celebrate Seed to Table's 10th Anniversary on the farm.

Farmers and founders, longtime friends and new acquaintances, all gathered together Saturday to celebrate Seed to Table's 10th Anniversary at the Fall Harvest Dinner. Clear skies and mellow weather created a welcoming atmosphere, along with the strings of lights above and flowers laid out on long tables. Live music hit a soothing note from the stage.

"The farm tour was great!" said one participant. "It wasn't hot at all." Farm tours gave guests a glimpse into the nitty-gritty behind farming and farm-based education. Encompassing greenhouses and hoop houses, fields, and washing stations, Seed to Table's farm spans four acres.

‘It’s just really beautiful to be back’

Sisters HS graduate’s growing passion brings her back to work at her first farm

Shae Gascon’s family moved to Sisters when she was in the third grade. She remembers gardening with her grandparents, and how much she loved planting and harvesting fresh veggies. Her interest in farming continued, but it wasn’t until her junior year that she spent some time at Seed to Table farm.

Seed to Table celebrates with Fall Harvest Dinner

Seed to Table's harvest dinner brings community together.

Seed to Table will celebrate a decade of bounty and community at the organization's 10th Anniversary Fall Harvest Dinner. The event on September 9 will feature a farm-to-table meal prepared by Chris and Emma Leyden of Feast Food Co.

Feast was recently selected for a Best of Central Oregon award by The Source Weekly. The chefs' culinary creations for the dinner will include veggies grown right on Seed to Table farm, along with grass-fed lamb and a vegan option.

Served in the beautiful pasture at the center of the farm, guests will be seated at a long table to enjoy a served, family-style meal.

Sisters grad is following her heart to farming

Shae Gascon is working at the Seed to Table Farm in Sisters. She's shown here with her favorite vegetable, Armenian cucumbers.

Shae Gascon's family moved to Sisters when she was in the third grade. She remembers gardening with her grandparents and how much she loved planting and harvesting fresh veggies. Her interest in farming continued, but it wasn't until her junior year that she spent some time at Seed to Table (S2T) farm

"I was in IEE, (Interdisciplinary Environmental Expedition) and chose farming as my extra activity," she said. "We were working on building doors for their hoop houses. We also did some weeding. I realized how much variety there was on the farm, even learning how to build things. I thought that was super cool."

Sisters Farmers Market brings in people looking to stock up on locally produced items

It was the Sisters Farmers Market on Sunday, providing a wide variety of items for people to stock up on.

Dozens of people were up early in the morning, ready to get their weekly vegetables, fruits, meats and eggs. There were also juices such as strawberry mint juice and green juice. And of course, plenty of desserts to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Seed to Table, 10 years in, is still growing vegetables and summer programs

Audrey Tehan wants to ensure the Sisters community has access to fresh vegetables, and that kids have the opportunity to get their hands covered in dirt and grow greenery.

Tehan is the founder of Seed to Table, a nonprofit farm in Sisters that is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The farm recently received a grant from the Ford Family Foundation for its K-12 education programs.

“We’re really happy with being able to be involved with parents seeking education opportunities, filling up that summer time for students in ways that the families are really excited about,” said Tehan. “There’s not any other garden-based education opportunities necessarily within Sisters.”

Seed to Table gets financial backing

Sisters' agricultural education outreach program and the weekly Farmers Market just got a welcome infusion of nutrients to nurture its seeds.

The Ford Family Foundation (TFFF) awarded a grant for $25,000 to Seed to Table's (S2T) educational programming, which serves close to 1,500 student visits per year through farm-based education both on the S2T farm and in the classroom. The K-6 Field Trip Series, Sisters High School Agriculture Program, Farm Education Teacher Training, and Youth Summer Farm Camps are some of the S2T offerings in Sisters Country.

"There's magic that happens on the farm when students arrive: new flavors, new discoveries, and new connections are built every time. It's only possible due to community support, like TFFF. We're so grateful to offer these kids the best learning experiences," said Audrey Tehan, executive director.

Farmer-educators connect kids with food and learning

Sisters elementary students learn hands-on in a hoop house at Seed to Table's farm with farmer, educator, and Programs Director Hannah Joseph.

"I love it," said Programs Director Hannah Joseph on a sunny day at Seed to Table farm. Peacocks shrilled and Highland cattle mooed. She and Farm Manager Jenn Gardner sought shade after an intense several hours leading kids in activities and education on the farm...

…Teaching kids through hands-on activities is engaging for her. "There's so many directions we can go, whether it's about trying something new or getting comfortable in the outdoors and welcoming all the critters, not being scared of the bees or the worms. Or learning about the science of plants, or about conservation and ecology."

Team Greens explores plants, farming, and nomming

Kids from Sisters Elementary School make edible mini-gardens at Seed to Table's farm, using farm-fresh veggies.

Students gathered in a circle with educator and Programs Director Hannah Joseph at Seed to Table farm. Around the circle, each child announced their name and a vegetable.

"My name is Lachlan, and I like carrots," said a boy in a plaid shirt.

"My name is Mysie and I like green onions," said a girl dressed in a red shirt and cap.

Together with others from Sisters Elementary School, they named their group Team Greens.

Students learn hands-on at farm

Lettuce, stewardship, and Highland cattle are part of the on-farm experience for LifeSkills students at Seed to Table.

On a recent day at Seed to Table's farm in Sisters, long-haired Highland cattle ambled through their pasture. The sun shone brightly. The shrieking of peacocks pealed over the landscape. Then came the students, with wheelbarrows full of treats…

…The LifeSkills program serves students with special needs, "working to expand students' abilities academically, socially, vocationally, and emotionally," according to Sisters School District materials. Teachers Berit Dart at Sisters Middle School and Josh Nordell at Sisters High bring youth from both schools together for various activities, including Seed to Table field trips. "We're giving kids an opportunity, after they've already spent a good chunk of their day being in a classroom-doing some pretty high-demand, sometimes low-reward things-to come out and work on some vocational skills," Dart explained. He values that the program allows students to experience "being outside, being around some really awesome people."

Farmers Market to kick off season

In a sure sign that summer is upon us, Sisters Farmers Market's opening day is on Sunday, June 4.

The market has new hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 37 farmers, ranchers, makers, and food producers will bring their goods to Fir Street Park, offering fresh veggies, locally raised meat, seafood, artisan food products, and locally made arts and crafts.

Bauman lands dream job at Sisters Farmers Market

Managers of Sisters Farmers Market have run the gamut over the years -

farmers, a chef, and a registered nurse. Each brought passion and hard work to the position. This year, the Market's parent organization Seed to Table, has hired a farmer and vendor with a deep history in nonprofit markets: Willa Bauman.

Market life runs in Bauman's blood. She grew up in the countryside west of Eugene. There her parents baked their own goods and sold them at the long-running, open-air Saturday Market downtown.

Kids turn out in force for SPRD Carnival

Sisters Park & Recreation District's inaugural Kids Carnival was a smashing success, drawing families from across Central Oregon to Sisters for a day of youth activities.

…Crafts, selfies, games, and puzzles were available as well. "Seed to Table did planting activities with the kids," Olson said. "It was so sweet. They got to plant their own little seedling to take home."

Sisters salutes...

Seed to Table is grateful to everyone who participated in the success of 2022. Fundraising efforts exceeded expectations,

with nearly 240 individual donors contributing to the organization’s biggest community fundraising campaign to date. In total, community donations brought in $141,200, launching S2T into a strong 2023. Last year was full of a vast ecosystem of support for Seed to Table. In addition to donor support, more than 100 community members dug deep alongside the S2T team to harvest produce and feed our community. In September, a flurry of people of all ages harvested 1,000 pounds of carrots.

Concert will benefit Sisters farm

A concert from a pair of young Sisters violinists will help feed folks in Sisters and educate others about agriculture.

Nicolas and Ezra Oncke are inviting the Sisters community to a benefit concert, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Sisters.

The concert is a free, family-friendly event. However, donations will be welcome to support the work of Seed to Table, based in Sisters. A reception with refreshments will follow after the concert.

The violinists will be accompanied by Nathalie Fortin on piano. They will perform pieces by Bach, Mendelssohn, Tom Myron, and many more.

Barb Schulz - A lifetime of adventure, science, and horses

Early on, Barb Schulz knew science would be a part of her life. At 80 years old, she’s still active, inquisitive, and happy to share what she’s learned.

…“The Science Club helped Audrey Tehan get started,” she said. “When Audrey came to the Science Club and did a presentation, she told us she needed a motorized hand tiller. I told her what she was doing was right down my alley and I’d help her one day per week. That was 2013. Until COVID hit I spent every Wednesday with the crew. In 2018 S2T became a nonprofit. Audrey asked me to be on the board. Since then, it’s grown like crazy. I’ve been on the board the whole time but will be stepping down this year. Now I can get back to helping Audrey digging in the dirt. I’ll be there when they need help. Maybe harvesting on Tuesdays or tying up trellises for the beans.”

S2T extends growing season in a big way

The 2022 growing season has proven to be better than Seed to Table Executive Director Audrey Tehan hoped for.

“Wow! What an incredible season it’s been. With a combination of our greenhouse expansions, warm October weather, and our amazing farm team's experiences we will be continuing the produce share through November 16th!” said Tehan. “We have 110 families in our produce share. They’ve received S2T produce for 30 weeks this year!”

This will make S2T produce share (also known as a CSA- Community Supported Agriculture) one of the longest running shares in Central Oregon by a staggering eight weeks. 

SHS Hall of Fame inducts new members

The Sisters High School Hall of Fame inducted four individuals, one team, and an organization on Saturday, October 8, at the high school.

…The next inductee, 2007 grad Audrey Tehan, is a well-known figure in the community for her leadership of the nonprofit Seed to Table, but she was also recognized for her athletic contributions and involvement with the Integrated Environmental Expedition (IEE) program at Sisters High School. While in high school Tehan earned first-team league honors as a soccer player and was a member of the Nordic ski relay team that won a state title. She played soccer at Whitman College before transferring to Southern Oregon University. She returned to Sisters and served as the girls’ soccer coach, volunteered with the IEE program, and ultimately launched the Seed to Table program, which produces volumes of fresh produce for the community and provides educational opportunities for local students.

Seed to Table Farm to host fall tours

Seed to Table Farm is inviting the Sisters community onto the farm for a free fall tour.

The once-a-year opportunity is a chance to see beans growing to the ceiling in the greenhouses, walk through fields, and ask questions of the farmers who steward the land to grow nearly 60,000 pounds of produce on just a few acres.

Fall harvest dinner features locally produced food

The dinner takes place on the S2T farm nestled near the crops that have been feeding the community all season.

There will be farm tours during the evening and an opportunity to meet S2T staff and board members, as well as the guests seated at a long, family-style table. S2T Executive Director Audrey Tehan is excited to finally host the event after several years of pandemic-related cancellations.

“I’m excited about the food,” said Chef Leyden. “This harvest dinner is really a celebration of the culmination of the year and all the hard work of our team, partners, and community members to grow and distribute all the produce. Fall is the most bountiful time of year, and it takes a huge effort to get here… there’s no better way to celebrate. This dinner acknowledges and heralds the people and community members who make all the locally grown produce possible.”

Central Oregon Health Council funds Feeding Families: Community Table Project

Seed to Table (S2T) is a non-profit education farm located in Sisters, OR, founded in 2013. This project is unique in that it leverages Seed to Table’s resources as a local vegetable producer and coordinates with local community-based organizations to provide fresh foods to those that could most benefit from them. Seed to Table recognizes the importance of working with those who are rooted in the communities served and this guides the structure for programming, using community members’ knowledge and expertise to determine how to best distribute fresh vegetables to the Central Oregon community.

‘Green Drinks’ event honors sustainability

Participants from little ones to senior citizens listened to representatives from The Environmental Center (TEC) and S2T share their organizations’ focus on sustainability.

TEC coordinates networking events called “Green Drinks” that focus on their three pillars of sustainability: a healthy environment, economic vitality, and social equity. TEC began coordinating “Green Drinks” events in Central Oregon in 2007. The purpose of the event was to bring people together to learn, discuss, and advance a sustainable future for everyone in Central Oregon.

SHS greenhouse is growing strong

Since the Sisters High School (SHS) greenhouse opened in 2016, it’s been used for many science and occupational training activities.

It serves as a classroom and lab for science students. A state-of-the-art design, it’s used to grow starts and hanging baskets sold to raise funds for greenhouse expenses and programming. The space also provides opportunities for Amy Johnson’s students in the Youth Transition Program. Johnson, a transitions specialist employed by the Sisters School District, teaches students from age 14 to 21.

Supported CSA program improves food access

Local farmers are committed to a belief that everyone should have access to nutrient-dense food that is good for people and for the environment.

The effort to improve access to quality, locally grown food got a boost this season. The High Desert Food & Farm Alliance (HDFFA) is partnering with local farmers and the Pacific Northwest CSA Coalition (PNWCSA) to launch a new supported CSA program.

Jiunta is new manager for Farmers Market

Michelle Jiunta will manage the Sisters Farmers Market, which will be held Sunday afternoons at Fir Street Park starting June 5.

Seed to Table hired Michelle Jiunta as the new Sisters Farmers Market Manager. With an extensive background running Central Oregon farmers markets, Jiunta is prepared and excited about the opportunity.

“I’m so thrilled to be a part of the Sisters Farmers Market (SFM), the Seed to Table family, and the community at large,” she said.

Seed to Table expands produce shares program

Seed to Table, a Sisters agricultural and education nonprofit, is opening sign-ups January 20 for this season’s produce shares.

The early sign-up offers a longer availability of fresh veggies, sliding-scale payment options, and SNAP/EBT payment options.

Seed to Table hits fundraising goals

Finishing up their final fundraising efforts for 2021, the Seed to Table Oregon (S2T) team is extending a heartfelt “thank you” for all the generous donations received by the nonprofit.

Board member Barb Schulz reflected on the future for the nonprofit as community members and partnerships help expand Seed to Table’s impact in Central Oregon.

“I’m thrilled by the broad community support that helped us reach our goals. Community members can look forward to amazing produce. Our education programs will also benefit from the funding, along with the Sisters Farmers Market. There will be new produce in our greenhouses and fertile ground ready to produce more food to feed even more families. With a wonderful staff and effective board, we’re going strong,” said Schulz.

Sisters Seed to Table launches program to make veggies more accessible

Seed to Table is excited to announce the launch of its 2022 produce share, making vegetables more accessible to more Central Oregonians.

With sign-ups opening on January 20th, this season will feature a longer than ever availability of fresh veggies, sliding scale payment options, and SNAP/EBT payment options.  “The board and staff are grateful for the opportunity to build on models from other farms to implement a new sliding scale payment system intended to better serve the variety of needs of our community members,” says Founder and Executive Director, Audrey Tehan. With this sliding scale model, members get to choose a payment level that works best for them.

Seed to Table brings farm education full circle

Cooking classes build on our goal to create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages everyone to try new foods.

On fall field trips this year, students eagerly pulled giant beets from the field and filled bags with other fall crops to take home. Students exclaim, “I’m going to make a salad for my family!” or, “I’m going to give it to my mom, because she likes beets!” To which I respond, “But are you going to try the beets, too?” Hesitation usually follows. That is why we wanted to dig deeper, launching this year’s Sisters Elementary School cooking programs aimed at empowering students to be courageous eaters and embrace new experiences…

Local farmers providing for at-risk neighbors

A partnership between Sisters Farmers Market, Seed to Table Oregon, and the Roundhouse Foundation is putting fresh food on the table for folks wanting to improve access to healthy sources of nutrition.

Market Manager Caroline Hager says a grant from The Roundhouse Foundation funded efforts to launch the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at the Market this season. A federal nutrition assistance program, SNAP provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card…

The Bend Bulletin - July 4, 2021

Central Oregon Daily - June 22, 2021

Seed to Table Offers Free Fall Field Trips

Fall field trips offer exploration opportunities with the safety of the community as a top priority.

Seed to Table Farm will host free fall field trips in the afternoons for youth in second through fifth grades. Starting Tuesday, September 22, people can sign up for free field trips from 1 to 4 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday. Seed to Table is committed to ensuring students get their hands in the dirt and have opportunities for experiential learning during these difficult times. “We are excited to host small groups (no more than seven) of students for experiential field trips this fall, free of charge!” said Seed To Table Director Audrey Tehan…

The Nugget Newspaper - September 15, 2020

Mini-Documentary Series feat. Seed to Table

Film makers Jordan Bentz and Erik Bender feature Seed to table

Mini documentary with interviews of staff and a look at how Seed to Table’s community-driven mission is carried out on the day to day.

One Sky Films - August 20, 2020

Origin Story: Seed to Table

Origin Story of Founder Audrey Tehan

Founder Audrey Tehan grew up on the farm and loves giving back to her community through field trips, food banks, and farmers markets.

Central Oregon Daily - August 4, 2020

New Sisters Farmer’s Market to launch June 7

Integrating education, support for local businesses and access to fresh food.

There’s a lot of change happening at the Sisters Farmer’s Market. Some is in response to COVID-19 and safety measures for participants. For the first time, Seed to Table will be running the market and has hired the first paid market manager. In keeping with Seed to Table’s mission, there will be expanded outreach and access to locally-sourced, fresh products….

The Nugget Newspaper - May 12, 2020

‘Victory Gardens’ Promote Resilience

Growing Resilience – A Deep Dive Course to Turn Central Oregon Gardens into a Food Oasis.

Beginning April 30, Audrey Tehan, the executive director of Seed to Table, is offering a four-part series, “Growing Resilience – A Deep Dive Course to Turn Central Oregon Gardens into a Food Oasis.” Tehan says it doesn’t have to be about fear of a food shortage, but more a return to self-reliance and the rewards of fueling your body with the healthiest, freshest produce possible…

The Nugget Newspaper - April 28, 2020

Bringing the Farm to the Students

Seed to Table offers online farm school lessons.

This time last year, Seed to Table Farm was brimming with the excitement and laughter of students visiting for our farm field trip series. Although we have had to pause on-farm field trips this spring, Seed to Table is committed to bringing the farm into students’ homes. As students picked up their belongings and packets from their teachers a few weeks ago, a Seed to Table Home Garden Kit was also tucked in. Seeds, potting soil and access to our online farm school bring the hope of growth in our own homes…

The Nugget Newspaper - April 28, 2020

Local Artist to Release Mural at Seed to Table

Seed to Table’s Growing Community Event to feature mural release.

Local illustrator and painter Maren Inga Burck will be revealing her community mural at Seed to Table Farm, Wednesday, August 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. during Seed to Table’s Growing Community Event. The event will feature Burck’s mural release — a 26-by-12-foot installation that is at the centerpiece of the nonprofit education farm…

The Nugget Newspaper - August 6, 2019