Central Oregon Locavore is getting ready to open a new location on the west side of Bend. Founder Nicolle Timm-Branch says it’s in direct response to surveys and listening sessions the nonprofit conducted in 2025. It wasn’t water rights, labor costs or weather that were top of mind. Timm-Branch says they heard from “farmers, ranchers and producers who said, ‘We don’t need more passion. We don’t need more promotion. We need more sales.’ And simultaneously we interviewed a bunch of customers, members and stakeholders who said, ‘We need more access. We need it to be easier to get to local food.’” Those messages will shape Locavore’s strategy for the next decade. Farmers want more places to sell their products that’s easily accessible year-round. Timm-Branch says the public demand is there and the farmers have the capacity to grow more. What’s lacking is infrastructure to bring both sides together.
The new satellite Locavore will be located in the Discovery West neighborhood. More details will be announced at the nonprofit’s fundraising gala on April 24. Timm-Branch says it’s the first step in a multi-year expansion plan. “We’ll be planting little satellites in growing neighborhoods throughout Central Oregon to meet both of those requests.”
Central Oregon Locavore, located on NE Third Street near Revere Avenue, works with more than 150 farms, ranches and producers locally. Founded in 2009, its mission is to educate the community about the benefits of fresh, nutritious food produced by local farmers and ranchers. “Our model is that we return 65 cents of every dollar directly to the farmers, which is basically the opposite of the conventional grocery system.” Timm-Branch believes it’s the only nonprofit in the country with this model.
The April gala promises to be more than a fundraising event. With a theme of “Rooted in 17 years of trust. Rising into the next chapter,” Locavore will officially launch phase one of its expansion plans. The fundraising goal for the gala this year is $150,000. Central Oregon Locavore is also launching a capital campaign of $200,000. The evening includes a farm-to-table dinner featuring Central Oregon ingredients, a silent auction, a live paddle-raise fundraising activity for Phase One and a dessert dash. Farmers will be seated among the guests.
Locavore Spring Gala 2026
Friday, April 24 5:30-9pm
Tetherow Resort
61240 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend
centraloregonlocavore.org/happenings/gala/
$175
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