Biography
Karen Wagner comes to OSU Extension SNAP education on her journey through the local food and farm landscape. After many years abroad and around the country she settled in Pendleton 24 years ago founding the Pendleton Farmers’ Market, and as the president of the Oregon Farmers’ Markets Association, supporting the development of many more markets in rural and eastern Oregon. Working with CAPECO and the OR Food Bank, she conducted Community Food Assessments in four north central counties, locating regional food deserts and engaging the community in finding food security solutions and strengthening the local food and farming opportunities. Through her, the Columbia Plateau Food Links network was founded, connecting farmers, buyers, food eaters and educators, with local food and farm diversification opportunities.
Karen also brings farm to school and school garden connections to the SNAP-Ed program from her recent and current involvement with local school gardens and presence on the Oregon Farm to School/School Gardens Steering Committee. These experiences point to her passion and commitment to helping families and communities stay healthy through deeper connections to the agro-ecology of our region!