BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ecotrust - ECPv6.15.15//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ecotrust X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ecotrust.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ecotrust REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20270314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20271107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260404T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260404T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070255 CREATED:20260312T181826Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T181826Z UID:10001134-1775300400-1775314800@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Spring Health & Wellness Fair DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Hear from Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, on how farm to \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Farm to school stories: Advice from Lucy at Salsas Locas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Lucy De León returns to Ecotrust's blog to share how her farm to school journey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hope\, unity\, & belonging \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | The White Center HUB is a recipient of $5M in New Markets Tax URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/spring-health-wellness-fair/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/650650693_1286654100260648_7884081514304089757_n-e1773339489641.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260405T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260405T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070256 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000787-1775379600-1775385000@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Farm to school stories: Meet Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Hear how Patrick Roelle got Fishpatrick's Specialty Canned Tuna products into school menus in \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Farm to school stories: Meet the producers and purchasers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food Systems at the Speed of Place \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAFF VOICES | Raphael Guzman\, Program Manager of Food Systems Equity\, reflects on the necessity of programs like URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-04-05/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260407T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260407T180000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070256 CREATED:20260402T180935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T174635Z UID:10001137-1775581200-1775584800@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Green Workforce Academy: Info Session - WAITLISTED DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Episode 4: A Seaweed Snack \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAFF VOICES | The fourth episode of the "Tending the Tides" podcast explores the vibrant world of seaweed: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Giving Community Their Flowers: Zandi Saleem’s Food Sovereignty Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Meet Zandi Saleem\, the farmer and director behind Flowers to the Folks at Feed'em Freedom \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Returning to the land with ancestral wisdom \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | A conversation with Jamie Arredondo\, executive director of Capaces Leadership Institute URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/green-workforce-academy-info-session/ LOCATION:Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GWA-Flyer-2026_IG-01.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260409T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260409T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070257 CREATED:20260311T205245Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T205245Z UID:10001123-1775754000-1775768400@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:2026 Culture of Caring Gala DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Episode 3: Restoring the Olympia Oyster \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAFF VOICES | The third episode of the "Tending the Tides" podcast explores the history and significance of \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bonus episode: How to shuck an oyster \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAFF VOICES | A bonus episode of the "Tending the Tides" podcast on how to shuck an oyster. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Episode 2: On the Half Shell \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAFF VOICES | The second episode of the "Tending the Tides" podcast dives into the history and challenges URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/2026-culture-of-caring-gala/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-1.51.51-PM-e1773262352959.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260412T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260412T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070257 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000788-1775984400-1775989800@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fruit\, family\, and foundations: Kiyokawa Family Orchards \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Kiyokawa Family Orchards reflects on their intergenerational history and succession planning for the future \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Carrying the flame of cultural regeneration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Learn more about Ron Goode\, a 2025 Indigenous Leadership Awardee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fighting Forward: Tony A. (naschio) Johnson\, Chinook Indian Nation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Read about Tony A. (naschio) Johnson\, a recipient of the 2025 Indigenous Leadership Awards URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-04-12/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260418T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260418T133000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070258 CREATED:20260402T181122Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T181122Z UID:10001138-1776504600-1776519000@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Animals in the Pasture & Ethical Harvest DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reclaiming visibility with Shelly Covert\, Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Hear from Shelly Covert\, an Emerging Leadership recipient of this year's Indigenous Leadership Awards \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Episode 1: Introducing Tending the Tides \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAFF VOICES | Introducing a new podcast from Ecotrust called\, "Tending the Tides: Stories of Mariculture on the \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n To feed all the people: Talking with Beth Froembling\, Atypical Roots \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Hear from Beth Froembling\, owner of Atypical Roots URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/animals-in-the-pasture-ethical-harvest/ LOCATION:Good Rain Farm\, Troutdale\, OR\, 97060\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-e1774632054552.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260419T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260419T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070258 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000789-1776589200-1776594600@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Satsan (Herbert George)\, Wet’suwet’en Nation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Learn more about Satsan (Herbert George)\, a 2025 Indigenous Leadership Awardee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Returning Stewardship and Traditional Management to a Broken System: Tribal Marine Stewards Network \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Learn more about the Tribal Marine Stewards Network\, the 2025 Indigenous Leadership group awardee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rooted in Fire and Community \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Meet Ryan Reed\, one of this year's Indigenous Leadership Awards in the Emerging Leaders category URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-04-19/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260422T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260422T120000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070259 CREATED:20260320T180612Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T180612Z UID:10001135-1776848400-1776859200@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Volunteer with Ecotrust at Oak Bottom Wildlife Refuge DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Growing a movement with Reeba Daniel of Keep Growing Seeds \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Reeba Daniel\, founder of Keep Growing Seeds\, reflects on their journey in the farm to \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reflecting on farm and community\, with Tara Violetta\, Sun Moon Fields \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Speaking with Tara Violetta\, farmer and founder of Sun Moon Fields \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robert Kentta\, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Learn more about Robert Kentta\, a 2025 Indigenous Leadership Awardee URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/volunteer-with-ecotrust-at-oak-bottom-wildlife-refuge/ LOCATION:Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ecotrust_Volunteer_Thimbleberry.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260424T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260424T113000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070259 CREATED:20260403T173746Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T173746Z UID:10001141-1777024800-1777030200@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Oregon Mariculture Network Meeting - April 2026 DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rooted in Place\, Guided by Traditional Knowledge \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROGRAM UPDATE | A recap of the 2025 Indigenous Agroforestry Network Gathering: Partnership Workshops \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Indigenous Agroforestry Network Gathering \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PHOTO ESSAY | A look back at last year's Indigenous Agroforestry Network Gathering \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishing with Lukas Angus \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PHOTO ESSAY | A look at the rising problem of American shad in the Columbia River URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/oregon-mariculture-network-meeting-april-2026/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-e1775234654358.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260424T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260424T193000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070300 CREATED:20260311T204958Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T204958Z UID:10001124-1777041000-1777059000@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Grassroots to the Grid: Documentary Premiere DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Planting seeds for a new year \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROGRAM UPDATE | A reflection of the Farm to Early Childhood Education Institute Winter Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaking with Kasama Farm: An agricultural love letter to family and community \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Leilani Mroczkowski and Jihelah Greenwald\, founders of Kasama Farm\, speak about their roots in \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New art in the Natural Capital Center: An interview with Paula Champagne \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | An interview with Paula Champagne\, the artist behind the new mural at the Natural Capital URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/grassroots-to-the-grid-documentary-premiere/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-11.03.52-AM-e1773252858632.png ORGANIZER;CN="Community Energy Project":MAILTO:hello@communityenergyproject.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070300 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000790-1777194000-1777199400@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Filmmaker Cris Romento on keeping aloha alive \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | An interview with Cris Romento\, the filmmaker behind the documentary "Dear Aloha" \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating community and convening \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Highlighting the Community Grants program and four former grant recipients \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Caitlyn Minimalist brings sparkle to Ecotrust \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n INTERVIEW | Speaking with the founder of Caitlyn Minimalist\, a southern California-based jewelry business that is a URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-04-26/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T160000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070301 CREATED:20260311T204548Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T204829Z UID:10001125-1777201200-1777219200@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Portland Flea DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A conversation with Catherine Nguyen\, founder of Mora Mora Farm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n INTERVIEW | In this conversation with Catherine Nguyen\, she discusses her pathway into farming and her family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Listen to the leaders nourishing young children \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the six Farm to Early Childhood Education advisors educating children ages 0-5 in the garden\, at the \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaking with Malia Myers\, co-founder of Landmass Wines \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n INTERVIEW | In the third interview of a series about Asian American farming\, Emilie Chen speaks with Malia URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/portland-flea/2026-04-26/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-11.29.04-AM-e1773253792531-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260430T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260430T170000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070302 CREATED:20260403T173650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T173650Z UID:10001142-1777554000-1777568400@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Building Community with New Markets Tax Credits DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A fall gathering for the Farm to Early Care and Education Institute \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROGRAM UPDATE | Explore the first-ever retreat for the Farm to Early Care and Education Institute in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A conversation with Chantal Wikstrom\, granddaughter of Cambodian farmers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n INTERVIEW | Communications Manager Emilie Chen speaks with Chantal Wikstrom\, whose childhood on a small farm influenced her \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaking with Pam Oja\, fourth generation owner of a Japanese legacy farm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n INTERVIEW | A conversation with Pam Oja\, fourth generation farm owner\, highlights the experiences of Japanese legacy farmers URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/building-community-with-new-markets-tax-credits/ LOCATION:Inatai Foundation\, 1301 5th Ave #2600\, Seattle\, WA\, 98101\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IG-and-facebook-Post-NEW-Markets-Tax-Credits-e1775234394459.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260503T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260503T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070303 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000791-1777798800-1777804200@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Place matters: Asian American farming in the Pacific Northwest \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAFF VOICES | Inspired by the history of Asian farming in the Pacific Northwest\, Emilie Chen interviews six \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A look back at the K-12 Farm to School Institute Summer Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAFF VOICES | From July 8-10 this summer\, Ecotrust and its project partners hosted the K-12 Farm to \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Watch the 2024 Indigenous Leadership Awardee speeches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROGRAM UPDATE | See the videos of each speech from the 2024 Indigenous Leadership Awards URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-05-03/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260509T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260509T120000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070303 CREATED:20260402T180808Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T180808Z UID:10001140-1778320800-1778328000@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Rooted Resilience: Land Reclamation and Reconnection DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Telling the stories of land stewardship \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PHOTO ESSAY | See photos and hear from the storytellers of the Restoration Through Storytelling Series \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Theresa Sheldon\, board of directors\, Tulalip \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Learn more about Theresa Sheldon\, board of directors for the Tulalip Tribes\, who is honored \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Corinne Sams\, Board of Trustees\, Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation\, Umatilla \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | The 2024 Indigenous Leadership Awards honors Corinne Sams for her steadfast advocacy for and commitment URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/rooted-resilience-land-reclamation-and-reconnection/ LOCATION:Native Gathering Garden at Cully Park\, 5810 NE 72nd Ave.\, Portland\, OR\, 97220\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Social-Rooted-Resilience-Management-Stewardship-Conservation-Instagram-Post-45-e1774632131574.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260510T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260510T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070304 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000792-1778403600-1778409000@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SandeBea Allman\, nonprofit and community leader\, Oglala Lakota\, Nimiipuu \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | The 2024 Indigenous Leadership Awards honors SandeBea Allman for her decades-long role as guide\, convener\, \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Come through: Speaking with the vendors at Come Thru Market \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Hear from some of this year's Come Thru Market vendors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Delbert Miller\, founder and visionary of Skabob House\, Skokomish \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Delbert Miller receives a 2024 Indigenous Leadership Award for or his lifelong dedication to the URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-05-10/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260517T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260517T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070305 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000793-1779008400-1779013800@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Darrell Hillaire\, educator\, storyteller\, former chairman\, Lummi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Darrell Hillaire is honored with a 2024 Indigenous Leadership Award for his lifelong work in \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Delano Saluskin\, former tribal chairman\, Yakama \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Learn more about Delano Saluskin\, who is honored with a 2024 Indigenous Leadership Award \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Convening Around Food Systems Change \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Learn more about the Sustainable Food Systems Roundtable with Congressman Earl Blumenauer that took place URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-05-17/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260524T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260524T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070306 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000794-1779613200-1779618600@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Takeaways from the USDA Equity Commission Regional Convening \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAFF VOICES | Jamese Kwele shares insights on Ecotrust's food equity work at the participated in the USDA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mari Kita Makan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAFF VOICES | Ecotrust team member Denise Chin recounts the inspiration behind Mari Kita Makan\, a dinner event \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep roots for collective impact: A note from our Executive Director \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ECOTRUST UPDATE | Ronda Rutledge\, Executive Director\, shares a foreword with Ecotrust's 2023 annual report URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-05-24/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070307 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000795-1780218000-1780223400@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet Keri Wilborn\, Green Workforce Academy Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Hear from Keri Wilborn\, Green Workforce Academy Coordinator\, about her role and the upcoming year \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating Earth Month with Earth Day Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ECOTRUST UPDATE | Check out these four ways to celebrate Earth Month with Ecotrust and Earth Day Oregon! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Introducing our Equitable Evaluation Principles \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ECOTRUST UPDATE | Learn more about the four principles we adopted to better guide the design and execution URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-05-31/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T160000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070308 CREATED:20260311T204548Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T204829Z UID:10001126-1780225200-1780243200@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Portland Flea DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A conversation with Eric Rodriguez \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAFF VOICES | Learn more about Ecotrust's new Director of Food Equity\, Eric Rodriguez \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A look back: Celebrating Antone Minthorn \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PHOTO ESSAY | In June of 2022\, friends\, family\, and community members gathered in the Main Hall of \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Unveiling The Redd’s Collective Reparations Gift Box \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FEATURE | Embrace the season of giving with our locally curated gift boxes\, showcasing Portland's talented entrepreneurs! URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/portland-flea/2026-05-31/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-11.29.04-AM-e1773253792531-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260607T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260607T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070308 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000796-1780822800-1780828200@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A reflection on the 2023 Kake Traditional Food Fair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PHOTO ESSAY | Published collaboratively with Sustainable Southeast Partnership \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Getting to know Ronda Rutledge\, Executive Director \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAFF VOICES | A conversation with Executive Director Ronda Rutledge \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation Youth Leadership Council \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | An interview with members and advisors of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation Youth URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-06-07/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260614T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260614T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070309 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000797-1781427600-1781433000@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson (Haida)\, attorney\, author\, activist\, artist\, and musician \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | An interview with Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson\, 2023 Indigenous Leadership Awardee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sgaahl Siid Xyáahl Jaad\, Marina Anderson (Haida/Lingít)\, Director of Sustainable Southeast Partnership \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | An interview with Sg̱aahl Siid Xyáahl Jaad\, Marina Anderson\, 2023 Indigenous Leadership Awardee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kh’asheechtlaa\, Louise Brady (Lingít)\, Herring Protectors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | An interview with Kh’asheechtlaa\, Louise Brady\, 2023 Indigenous Leadership Awardee URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-06-14/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260621T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260621T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070310 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000798-1782032400-1782037800@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabe Sheoships (Cayuse/Walla Walla)\, Executive Director of Friends of Tryon Creek \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | An interview with Gabe Sheoships\, 2023 Indigenous Leadership Awardee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n USDA funding supports urban agriculture in Portland Metro \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ECOTRUST UPDATES | A $1.5M cooperative agreement will support utilization of USDA programs among farmers historically underserved or \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Corine Pearce\, Master Weaver\, Pomo \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Learn more about Corine Pearce\, who is honored with a 2023 Indigenous Leadership Award as URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-06-21/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260624 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260627 DTSTAMP:20260404T070311 CREATED:20260227T235757Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T194521Z UID:10001119-1782259200-1782518399@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:2026 Indigenous Agroforestry Network Gathering DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frances Charles\, Chair\, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | Learn more about Frances Charles (Lower Elwha)\, 2023 Indigenous Leadership Awardee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alyssa Macy\, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PARTNER VOICES | A conversation with Alyssa Macy (Wasco/Navajo/Hopi)\, a recipient of the 2023 Indigenous Leadership Awards \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Na’Ha’Met (Ours to Protect): Salmon Crisis in the Salish Sea \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FEATURE | Recordings and resources from the fourth and final event in the 2023 Indigenous Leadership Briefing series URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/2026-indigenous-agroforestry-network-gathering/ LOCATION:Little Creek Casino Resort\, 91 WA-108\, Shelton\, WA\, 98584 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-IANG-e1772236709829.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260628T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260628T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070313 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000799-1782637200-1782642600@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An Uneasy Conundrum: Green Energy & Tribes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FEATURE | Recordings and resources from the third event in the 2023 Indigenous Leadership Briefing series with Jeremy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Jordan Cove\, q’alya\, kuunatich\, kukwis shichdii me \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FEATURE | Recordings and resources from the second event in the 2023 Indigenous Leadership Briefing series with Margaret \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pushing Back: Pebble Mine & the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FEATURE | Recordings and resources from the first event in the 2023 Indigenous Leadership Briefing series with Alannah URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-06-28/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260628T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260628T160000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070314 CREATED:20260311T204548Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T204829Z UID:10001127-1782644400-1782662400@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Portland Flea DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcoming our new Executive Director\, Ronda Rutledge \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANNOUNCEMENTS | After an extensive nationwide search\, Ecotrust is pleased to announce Ronda Rutledge as our new \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Uplifting Farmers in Southeast Alaska \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAFF VOICES | Southeast Alaska’s Juneau staff supported the Southeast Alaska Farmers Summit with a pre-summit marketing workshop \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating community and traditional foods in Keex’ Kwaan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PHOTO ESSAY | A look back at the Keex' Kwaan Traditional Food Fair URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/portland-flea/2026-06-28/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-11.29.04-AM-e1773253792531-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260705T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260705T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070316 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000800-1783242000-1783247400@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A loving critique of the Ag of the Middle Accelerator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROGRAM UPDATE | As we sunset one of our cornerstone programs\, we reflect on the successes\, challenges\, and \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Field notes from Ntxwe: The Pend Oreille River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FEATURE | Indigenous storytelling fellow\, Jessica Douglas\, reflects on a visit with Ecotrust partners at the Kalispel Tribe. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Exploring the abundance of Indigenous homelands \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FEATURE | With the Confederated Tribes of Coos\, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw lndians\, we produced an interactive StoryMap URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-07-05/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260712T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260712T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070317 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000801-1783846800-1783852200@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Leadership in transition \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ECOTRUST UPDATE | Reflecting on the lessons learned from leadership transitions. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A growing network of food systems leaders \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROGRAM UPDATE | We celebrate the successes of the inaugural cohort and look to the future of the \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Exploring climate-smart forestry with the Hoopa Valley Tribe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROGRAM UPDATE | A look inside a growing body of work in partnership with the Hoopa Valley Tribe URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-07-12/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260718T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260718T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070318 CREATED:20260226T003133Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T204325Z UID:10001117-1784379600-1784404800@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Fuji to Hood: Japan/Oregon Collaboration Festival DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8 gifts from the Redd on Salmon Street \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FEATURE | Make your holiday shopping easier this year with eight delicious gifts from the Redd community \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why we’re here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ECOTRUST UPDATE | A reflection and programmatic update from our Interim Executive Director\, Olivia M. Rebanal \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alan R. Parker (Chippewa Cree) – 1942-2022 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n IN MEMORIAM | On August 5\, 2022\, Alan R. Parker walked on URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/fuji-to-hood-japan-oregon-collaboration-festival/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-20-at-6.03.07-PM-e1771639416189.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260719T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260719T103000 DTSTAMP:20260404T070320 CREATED:20250411T190204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T192346Z UID:10000802-1784451600-1784457000@ecotrust.org SUMMARY:Pearl Church | Service DESCRIPTION:Blog: Stories of home \n \n \n \n Farm to School Stories: Speaking with Thomas Kyelberg\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Tseng \n \n \n \n Community Food Systems Coordinator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg at Reedsport School District Office. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, incorporating local ingredients into his school menus allows him to support producers in the community (like local Reedsport fisherman Patrick Roelle)\, and offer students more nutritious and culturally diverse foods. Learn more about how he builds relationships with local producers and the importance of farm to school funding. This is part of the Farm to School Stories series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t talk budget with the kids. They’re hungry\, they eat.” Thomas Kyelberg\, food service director at Reedsport School District\, purchases local foods not only for student nutrition\, but also because he sees local procurement as an opportunity to help local businesses\, especially relevant against the backdrop of economic downturn in the Reedsport area in recent years. Through the support from Oregon Department of Education’s Noncompetitive Reimbursement Grant (NCRG)\, which reimburses participating schools for the purchases of Oregon grown and processed foods\, Reedsport students can enjoy everything from organic blueberries from Estill Farms  to tuna from local Reedsport fisherman\, Patrick Roelle of Fishpatrick’s. When Thomas saw on social media that Highwater Cafe and Market in downtown Reedsport featured tuna from local business Fishpatrick’s in their tuna melt\, he reached out to Patrick. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick Roelle from Fishpatrick’s Tuna displays a four-pound pouch of his tuna\, which he sells to schools and early childhood programs. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas and Patrick met to discuss how to feature Fishpatrick’s tuna in the school district’s lunch program and\, together\, they determined Fishpatrick’s tuna is eligible to be purchased using Oregon Department of Education NCRG funds. Thomas helped Patrick sign up to be listed on the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory\, an online database that school food buyers can use to find Oregon producers who are ready to sell to schools\, as well as connected Patrick with neighboring school districts that Patrick sent tuna samples to. “I’m proud to be part of it. I’m proud that I was able to help a local businessman\,” said Thomas. Patrick is a hard working\, long-time resident of Reedsport and a generous individual\, says Thomas. “I was glad I was able to give him the tools to connect with other schools.” Having lived in Oregon for the past 20 years\, Thomas is familiar with Oregon-grown and -harvested foods and their seasonal availability. With the money from NCRG\, he focuses on featuring what is in season on his menus. It’s also an opportunity for Thomas to offer students culturally diverse foods. “Certain farms\, for instance\, can supply us with spaghetti squash\, acorn squash\, multiple types of beautiful apples\, [like] Asian apples\, which is something that kids don’t typically get to eat\,” said Thomas. He says the types of groceries available in Reedsport are often reflective of the local demographics and culture. Using NCRG funds allows Thomas to introduce students to foods that are different from those that they may be eating at home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick’s boat\, the James Lee\, docked in the boat harbor. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s canned tuna products. Photo credit: Emilie Chen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The majority of farm to school work for Thomas is creating the relationships with producers. He emphasized the importance of persistence when reaching out to them. “It’s taking the time to reach out. And sometimes you’re going to get an answering machine. You have to be persistent. They’re doing the best they can. But being a small producer\, they don’t have someone sitting in the office 24/7 or\, you know\, even nine to five. They’re out there in the fields or out on the boats fishing\,” said Thomas. He builds extra time into his already busy schedule to work with local producers and reach out to potential new producers. “In a nutshell\, I have the time\, I make the time because that means I can use the funds provided to me more efficiently\,” he said. Reaching out to neighboring school districts to crowdsource good potential local producers can also be helpful. In his experience\, the majority of Thomas’ school district neighbors have been more than happy to exchange information to help one another. Thomas says they become stronger by helping each other. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “ \n \n \n \n This [farm to school] is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids. \n \n \n \n Thomas Kyelberg\, Food Service Director\, Reedsport School District \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Grant funding \n \n \n \n Grants like Oregon Department of Education’s NCRG are essential for districts\, all of which have tight budgets\, that are navigating how to support producers in the community. Even though food service directors may want to support local producers\, directors are often forced to go for the best (often that means lowest) price\, Thomas said. Working within the constraints of a tight budget to purchase local foods—which are typically more expensive than foods from a distributor or that can be purchased as part of federal entitlements—can be difficult and time-consuming. \nThomas says the district receives a good amount of grant funding for local procurement\, but the funding doesn’t last the whole school year. In an ideal world\, he would be able to offer local products in his menu throughout the year\, but he has to prioritize and plan his local purchases in advance because of limited funds. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas poses in front of the Reedsport School District nutrition services truck. Photo credit: Emilie Chen  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The day before we spoke with him\, Thomas was on a call with Oregon Representative Boomer Wright regarding the upcoming state budget\, where he emphasized the importance of farm to school funding and advocated for an increase in funding. Thomas expressed that it would be very difficult for local producers to compete with large food distributors that have lower price points. These kinds of grants really help small producers survive and grow\, and benefit other school districts in the state. “This is where we want our tax money going\, our tax dollars\, because you can see the result. It helps small businesses. It helps small schools and large schools\, it helps feed the kids\,” said Thomas. “It helps get the proper food to the kids that are desperately in need of it.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Building farm to school community with other districts \n \n \n \n As Reedsport’s food service director\, Thomas is not only building relationships with local producers\, he is also building farm to school community with neighboring small school districts. \n“I enjoy reaching out to other small districts. I love my counterparts in the big districts\, but I find myself wanting to reach out to other coastal school districts\, because they are very small. We work as a team\,” said Thomas. He says that smaller school districts have smaller enrollment numbers\, so they often can’t justify having a full-time food service director. This means that it may be more difficult for smaller school districts to have the time to build relationships with local producers and utilize NCRG funds. \n“Are you using your farm to school program?” Thomas will ask other school districts. “And if they aren’t\, I help them with that. But if they are\, I’d say: ‘What kind of produce are you picking up? And who are you getting them from? What kind of interactions have you had with them\, and do they work with you well?’” These types of questions help Thomas expand his network of local producers to purchase from\, bringing those resources to his school district\, and allowing him to share that knowledge with other districts. \n“[We] work with our neighbors\,” he said\, “and we have our strength by working in numbers.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Business development\, Coasts & rivers\, Food systems\, Storytelling \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Share\n \n\n \n\nLinkedIn\n\nFacebook\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All blog posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This page was published \n April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n Last updated April 1\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Links \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Reedsport School District Nutrition Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n School meal program information \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEBSITE \n \n \n \n \n Fishpatrick’s Tuna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wild-caught tuna and salmon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BLOG \n \n \n \n \n Stories of Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An interview series with the producers and purchasers bringing local Oregon foods to school cafeterias \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROJECT \n \n \n \n \n Farm to School \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with a statewide network to support farm to school programming in Oregon \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Latest Blog Posts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Local Link back in action \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PHOTO ESSAY | After a two year hiatus necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic\, we worked with partners to \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Supporting Latinx Founders \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n INTERVIEW | Pitch Latinx organizer and founder of Latino Founders\, Juan Barraza\, shares his hopes for Latinx entrepreneurship \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n U.S. Department of Agriculture awards $25 million to accelerate the Climate-Smart Wood Economy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROGRAM UPDATE | Sustainable Northwest wins significant funding on a proposal to build the Climate Smart Wood Economy. URL:https://ecotrust.org/event/pearl-church-service/2026-07-19/ LOCATION:The Redd on Salmon Street\, 831 SE Salmon Street\, Portland\, OR\, 97214\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecotrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PearlChurch_Service_2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pearl Church":MAILTO:info@pearlchurch.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR