This month through our Peace & Chai program, we’re proud to support Willamette Farm & Food Coalition with a donation of $500 and 6,800 cups of chai to help support local food access initiatives across our region.
Willamette Farm & Food Coalition works to build a more resilient and inclusive local food system by supporting farmers and food producers, increasing food access, and strengthening connections between people, land, and community. Through food equity programs, education, and regional collaborations, they help ensure that more families can access locally grown food while supporting the people who grow and produce it.
Right now, WFFC is facing a funding gap that has caused a pause in some of their food equity programs. These programs help increase access to fresh, local food at farmers markets like the Lane County Farmers Market and support neighbors experiencing food insecurity throughout our community.
Faye Safranko (Executive Director, Willamette Farm and Food Coalition) receiving the donation from James Mattravers (General Manager, Blue Lotus Chai)
“The Food Bank and its partnership with the farmers market has helped my son and I so much over the years. Giving us much-needed food when our personal food resources are not enough. The fresh fruit and veggies are hard to get affordably in our town. Without the food offered so many of us would have to go without. Thank you!”
— Westfir/Oakridge community member
Blue Lotus Chai's donation of chai will be distributed by WFFC to community locations supporting SNAP recipients throughout the region. Every cup shared is a reminder that food, comfort, and community care matter.
Thanks to Blue Lotus Chai's General Manager, James Mattravers, for nominating Willamette Farm and Food Coalition to be this month's Peace and Chai recipient.
How You Can Support
There are a few ways to join us in supporting local food access this month:
- Donate directly to Willamette Farm & Food Coalition to help sustain their food equity programs.
- Shop local farmers' markets and support regional farmers and food producers.
- Help spread awareness about the importance of equitable access to fresh, local food.
Join Us at the Eugene Tea Festival
We’re also excited to share that Eugene Tea Festival returns on May 31st 2026 from 10am–4pm, and Blue Lotus Chai will be there serving free chai samples and celebrating Eugene’s vibrant tea community.
The Eugene Tea Festival was created to cultivate and celebrate the tea community in Eugene and Springfield, Oregon. Founded in 2019 by Madelaine Au, the first festival launched in May 2023 and has continued to grow into a meaningful annual community event.
At our booth, you’ll be able to:
- Sample three of our favorite chai varieties
- Shop our chai tins
- Learn more about Peace & Chai
- Make a donation to support Willamette Farm & Food Coalition
Admission is free, and attendees can also support the festival nonprofit with a $10 donation to receive a porcelain tea cup at the event.
We hope you’ll come sip chai, connect with the community, and help support local food access with us. 💛