Bend Don't Break: Sharon Maier Kennelly, Executive Director of High Desert Food and Farm Alliance

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Sharon Smith, a passionate nonprofit leader who brings decades of experience in community programming and the arts to her current role as Executive Director of the High Desert Food & Farm Alliance (HDFFA). After relocating from Long Island to Bend in 2019, Sharon quickly immersed herself in the local nonprofit scene—most notably at the Tower Theatre Foundation—before joining HDFFA in 2023.Together, Aaron and Sharon dig into the realities of food insecurity in Central Oregon and explore the many ways HDFFA is working to ensure access to fresh, healthy produce for all. From connecting residents with local farmers to running nutrition incentive programs and education initiatives, Sharon shares how HDFFA is building a more equitable and resilient food system.They also discuss the potential impacts of looming federal budget cuts on these crucial programs—and how community support and advocacy are more important than ever.🌱 Tune in to learn how local food, strong partnerships, and a little creativity are feeding both bellies and hope across the region. Send us Fan MailSupport the show