Get to know us
A distinct identity
Farmland Produce Distribution Project is a non-profit registered organization based in Portland, Oregon catered primarily towards people of African descent, but serving all low-income individuals who desire culturally specific produce.
We distribute farm grown vegetables to community members, as well as expand agricultural minds by teaching them how to plant food of their own. Our main efforts are to provide healthy alternative resources to Oregonians who do not have access to such benefits.
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What is growing?
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Managu
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Cabbage
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Lettuce
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Collard Greens
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Lengalenga
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Matembele
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Tomatoes
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Green beans
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Beans
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Bell Peppers
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Hot peppers
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Corn
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Celery
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Cucumbers
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Pumpkin leaves
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Cassava leaves
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10 to 15 different leafy greens
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+ more
Partners Organizations and programs
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​In 2021, we distributed fresh African produce with partners to over 300 families. In 2022 we distributed to 473 families including distribution of the produce from the community members we assisted and trained. 2023-2025, we distributed to approximately 600-700 families annually. We also introduced a new 5 months weekly CSA (Community supported Agriculture) Program with Multnomah County in Portland Oregon, distributing to Habesha (Eritrean and Ethiopian), Somali, and recently, Native American community members. One of our land space is a partnership with Creator Lutheran Church to ensure members have access to quality foods, no matter their income, ability or race. Thank you to all of our partners.
Our Services
Benefits
African, Hispanic & Indigenous community members often have limited access to the healthy produce they are accustomed to cooking and eating. FPDP helps African and other BIPOC Oregonians grow traditional vegetables, providing gardening mentorship and advice. For the community members without time, space or resources to garden, we provide access to healthy traditional produce through our distribution events during the summer and fall seasons. These events are open to all and advertised on social media, at community gatherings and by word of mouth throughout the various communities we serve.
For many of our Volunteers, members and farmers, finding produce that is healthy, nutritious and cultural can be very time consuming or even impossible. Many of our members are often sick, or unable to properly meet their dietary needs, due to limited resources, such as distance to locations with better foods, inability to find what they need, and not knowing exactly what foods are right for them. FPDP ensures anyone in need of cultural, healthy and sustainably grown produce has access and resources to finding, eating and even growing their own food.
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Processes
Executive Director Ally Oredi travels over the winter collecting seeds from various countries in Africa, while also ordering from other cultures in time for planting on the 4 acres of land in Oregon City and Clackamas.
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To make this happen FPDP plants vegetables familiar to people, and makes sure that the vegetables have health benefits, such as Managu (Mboga-chungu) and Nyanya-chungu (African egg plant) which improve energy, and help combat chronic diseases like high blood pressure.
We empower the community by ensuring that health and wellness as well as climate consciousness is at the forefront of it all. This way we continue our traditions while showcasing the power of community and care for the environment and each other. In addition to increased health of families, traditional foods also bring comfort and Cultural pride.
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Resources
In an effort to reduce illnesses, and hunger in Oregon while also preserving cultural knowledge, FPDP holds community based gatherings and trainings to provide educational resources to help with self sufficiency, connection to the environment and cultural sustainability. To do this, we not only distribute to the community, but bring the farm to them.
In recent years, we have had a few community members learn how to plant, grow and care for their produce. With the assistance of the executive director Ally Oredi many have been able to feed their families and friends, distribute with FPDP and even sell at farmers markets through our community program, that helps members register, build and start their own businesses.
We also conduct research and classes to teach how much water is needed for specific seeds and climates, why some foods grow a certain way, as well as provide American soil growing techniques for members new to farming a new environment.
Our team
From planting produce, harvesting and distributing, to overseeing grant applications, projects and events. Our team of volunteers, directors, managers and coordinators all work to help make Oregon healthier, resourceful and culturally connected.
Ally Oredi
Executive Director
Ramadhani Hussein
Distribution Coordinator/Manager
Volunteers
Harvesting/Distributing
Rosaria Ally
Project Manager
Fatima Ally
Financing Manager/Secretery
