Ecotrust's Food and Farms Program Becomes a Member of the Edible Community
First of its Kind Nonprofit-Private Publishing Partnership Signals Launch of Edible Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. — February 9, 2006 — Edible Communities, the Ojai, Calif.-born food publisher whose mission is to celebrate the contributions of independent, local agriculture and food processors, announced today Ecotrust’s Food and Farms Program has joined the Edible Community, a member-driven organization that publishes a national network of revolutionary food newsletters in distinct culinary regions.
In a first of its kind private-nonprofit partnership, the two will co-publish Edible Portland, a local version of the award-winning food magazines created by Edible Communities. While Edible Portland brings the growing “edible” network of food magazines to 18, the company remains regionally specific and meaningful to the residents of each community through co-publishing relationships established in each individual community.
“This partnership serves a programmatic goal in that it provides a creative and proven platform to address food and farm issues, and share untold tales from the local food community,” said Deborah Kane, vice president, Ecotrust’s Food and Farms Program. “With 25,000 readers per issue and a pass along rate of three, we see Edible Portland as a strategic opportunity to expand our network of constituencies and an entrepreneurial way to engage with the business community.”
In addition, a percentage of revenue from all advertising sold in the bi-monthly newsletter directly supports the nonprofit in their efforts to create a vibrant, regional food system. Ecotrust’s Food and Farms Program staff also will serve as content advisors.
“Ecotrust’s Food and Farms Program is the perfect partner for Edible Portland,” said Tracey Ryder, co-founder Edible Communities. “We share a desire to build and sustain a local and regional food economy by celebrating the abundance of farm-grown and artisan foods, season by season.”
Edible Portland will feature regular columns including “What’s in Season” — providing readers with information and recipes on foods that are fresh, delicious, and where to find them. “Notable Edibles” seeks out local food and wine finds, spotlighting unique products, retailers and organizations throughout the Portland area. Creative direction for the publication will be handled by Edible Communities co-founder, Carole Topalian, whose critically acclaimed photography has appeared in numerous publications and exhibitions worldwide. Edible Communities has named Melanie Platosh, a seasoned professional from the publishing world, editor of Edible Portland.
Complimentary copies of the vibrant newsletter will be available beginning mid-April at Portland Farmers Market and advertisers such as New Seasons Market. Subscriptions are $28 a year and can be purchased at www.edibleportland.com.
In addition to enjoying recognition from national food magazines, the company has garnered awards for both design and content. The International Association of Culinary Professionals selected the company for its Award of Excellence in Consumer Education for 2004. And, earlier this year, the Kellogg Foundation, in its report entitled “Change on the Horizon: A Scan of the American Food System”, cited Edible Communities as one of the top organizations in the country today that is making strides in promoting placed-based foods.
For more information, please see www.edibleportland.com.
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Contacts:
Amy Brown, on behalf of Ecotrust’s Food and Farms Program
503.341.3795
Kathy Couturié, Edible Communities, Inc.
