Astoria Harvest is a grassroots community network of neighbors, volunteers, and local organizations working together to strengthen mutual aid and resource sharing in Clatsop County. We're everyday people who believe in the power of community care, circular economies, and the abundance that comes from sharing what we have with those who need it.

Abundance Over Scarcity: There's enough when we share

Access Over Gatekeeping: Everyone belongs at the table

Connection Over Transaction: Relationships matter more than exchanges

Dignity Over Charity: Mutual aid, not pity

Action Over Perfection: Start where we are with what we have

We Know:

• Food is a basic human right

• We're stronger when we help each other

• Cooking and eating together builds community

• Every family's food traditions matter

This Is NOT:

• Charity that makes people prove they "deserve" help

• Programs that label people as "needy" or "less than"

• Advice that ignores real economic barriers

• One-way handouts instead of mutual support

Important: With SNAP benefit changes taking effect November 1st, these resources help our whole community stay fed and connected. We're building long-term resilience, not just responding to emergencies.

We're creating accessible pathways for community members to share resources, reduce waste, and support one another through:

• Food Swaps: Exchange homegrown produce, preserves, baked goods, and surplus pantry items

• Clothing Swaps: Refresh wardrobes sustainably while keeping textiles out of landfills

• Seasonal Events: Community gatherings like Thriftmas that celebrate giving, sharing, and connection

• Resource Mapping: Acting as a hub to connect people with existing mutual aid networks, food banks, community gardens, and support services throughout Clatsop County

We host events throughout Astoria and Clatsop County, creating accessible meeting points for our community. Specific locations are announced for each event through our website and social channels. We meet wherever community gathers—parks, community centers, libraries, and local businesses that share our values.

We're not reinventing the wheel—we're acknowledging that amazing resources and generous people already exist in our community. What's often missing is the connection point. Astoria Harvest exists to:

• Bridge the gap between abundance and need

• Reduce isolation by creating spaces for genuine community connection

• Honor traditional practices of sharing, trading, and mutual support

• Keep usable goods circulating instead of becoming waste

• Build resilience through relationship and reciprocity

• Make mutual aid accessible and joyful, not just crisis-driven

• Ongoing: Resource directory available 24/7 on our website

• Seasonal Swaps: Quarterly clothing and monthly food exchanges

• Special Events: Holiday gatherings like Thriftmas, harvest celebrations, and community skill-shares

• As Needed: Crisis response and emergency resource mobilization when community members face urgent needs

For Participants:

1. Check our website or social media for upcoming events

2. Show up with items to share (or not—coming empty-handed is always welcome)

3. Connect with neighbors, exchange resources, and discover what our community offers

4. Take what you need, share what you can, and spread the word

For the Community:

• We curate and share information about existing resources (food banks, mutual aid funds, support services)

• We create low-barrier events where everyone feels welcome

• We operate on gift economy principles—no transactions, just circulation

• We adapt to community needs and feedback

For Organizations:

• We amplify your work and help community members find you

• We collaborate rather than compete

• We recognize that together we're stronger than any single organization