Wave Foundation

Community food systems and zero waste:the wave foundation launched a strategic collaboration in portland, oregon, to advance a "zero-waste vision" for providence park, the moda center, and other large public venues. This program plays a crucial role in reducing food waste and re-establishing composting operations in the northwest. With support from the usda, the wave foundation secured a grant to pilot this project, integrating the wave marketplace into its operations. In april 2024, an educational workshop was held in portland to raise awareness about the initiative. (see continuation on schedule o). The foundation also partnered with the global alliance of latinos in agriculture to expand these programs to the east coast, focusing on baltimore and compass properties. We have applied for several grants (including from the usda and epa) to support this project's growth.during 2024, the wave foundation initiated engagements with several aligned partners in oregon (oregon coast visitors association, oregon state university, eco-trust, and other related non-profits) to advance a 100% fish initiative. This initiative would reduce the amount of waste in the seafood production industries of oregon, increasing economic prosperity for fishing communities while reducing environmental impacts.

Food and nutrition relief: as part of our ongoing food and nutrition relief program, initiated during the covid-19 pandemic, the wave foundation distributed over 2,000,000 meal equivalents to communities facing hunger in 2024. This program was funded by the state of washington department of agriculture (aka "we feed wa"). In response to the devastating fires in los angeles, the foundation provided food and crisis relief to impacted communities. In collaboration with congressional leaders, the wave foundation continued advocating for reforms to national food relief programs, drawing from our successful regional model that emphasizes healthy, sustainable, and culturally relevant foods. (see continuation on schedule o).during 2024, the wave foundation initiated discussions with the state of oregon, inquiring about the potential for a pilot program, like the we feed wa program, for communities facing hunger in oregon.

Clean energy and transportation: in partnership with climate solutions, clean and prosperous wa, build back black alliance, and oregon businesses for climate, the wave foundation continued the breaking barriers collaborative, which supports businesses in transitioning to 100% electrification of regional buildings and transportation infrastructure. In 2024, the collaboration hosted several accelerator programs, helping 25-30 organizations across washington and oregonincluding bipoc-owned businessesreceive technical assistance for electrifying their fleets. This initiative now includes public agencies at the state and local levels.

Environmental equity and justice: the wave foundation continued working with tribal and bipoc communities to advance equity and justice goals within our core programs. Our efforts to reform regional food systems prioritize increasing access for tribal, bipoc, women, and other underrepresented food producers to the larger, more economically viable food and beverage industry. Our clean energy and transportation initiatives directly benefit communities of color, which are often disproportionately affected by climate-related pollution.

Youth engagement: in partnership with musco, the bureau of indian affairs, yakama nation, and the us soccer foundation, the wave foundation further developed a program to build mini-sports courts in northwest native communities. These courts provide tribal youth with access to sports and promote healthier lifestyles. In 2022, the project partners identified celilo village indian community as the site for the first court, and by 2024, the project was successfully completed with funding from the ford family foundation, roundhouse foundation, and others. The wave foundation is continuing to secure additional funding and identify new project sites to expand this initiative.