In a significant investment to bolster community health and food access in Oregon, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon and its charitable arm, Cambia Health Foundation, have announced a joint contribution of $500,000 to the James Beard Public Market’s Nutrition for All Initiative. This strategic funding will directly support the Market’s efforts to expand nutrition education, promote health equity, and improve access to healthy, culturally relevant food options—especially for historically underserved communities across Portland.
The Nutrition for All Initiative stands as a key pillar of the James Beard Public Market’s broader mission to create a dynamic food and education hub in the heart of downtown Portland. Slated to open in the summer of 2026 at 622 SW Alder Street, the Market promises to be a transformative space that celebrates the region’s culinary diversity while fostering healthier communities through inclusive programming and public engagement.
Driving Health Equity Through Food Education
Regence’s $500,000 commitment is more than a financial contribution—it’s a long-term investment in the health and well-being of Oregon families. The funding will enable the James Beard Public Market to scale up its nutrition education programs, including hands-on cooking classes, community workshops, and public events focused on food literacy and wellness. These offerings are designed to reach individuals and families of all backgrounds, with particular attention to those facing barriers to nutritious food.
“As a founding sponsor, this partnership aligns perfectly with our dedication to supporting the health and well-being of our communities,” said Michael Cole, president of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon. “Our investment will empower families to make healthier food choices, increase food literacy across age groups, and reduce barriers to fresh, nutritious food.”
Cole emphasized that Regence’s collaboration with the James Beard Public Market reflects the organization’s broader goal of building healthier communities through innovation, collaboration, and equitable access to care and resources.
Supporting a Visionary Public Market
The James Beard Public Market has been a much-anticipated project in Portland’s urban redevelopment landscape. Since officially announcing its downtown location in October 2024, the Market has made rapid progress toward its vision. As of early 2025, the project has raised more than $4.2 million in philanthropic and private investments and completed the purchase of its permanent location.
Executive Director Jessica Elkan expressed gratitude for the latest funding boost and the long-term commitment from Regence and Cambia Health Foundation.
“Regence and Cambia Health Foundation’s investment will help deliver impactful programming that reaches thousands of Oregonians,” Elkan said. “Their support is crucial to our mission of creating equitable opportunities for a healthier and more resilient community.”
Elkan noted that the Nutrition for All Initiative will be a vital driver of the Market’s community impact, bringing together food producers, educators, healthcare advocates, and local residents to co-create solutions that foster long-term wellness and food security.
A Culinary and Community Destination
When it opens in 2026, the James Beard Public Market will offer a permanent home to dozens of local vendors, farmers, and chefs. It is envisioned as a bustling, year-round culinary destination where residents and tourists alike can enjoy fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and culturally diverse meals—all under one roof. In addition to retail and dining, the Market will feature dedicated spaces for educational programming, community engagement, and public health initiatives.
The Nutrition for All Initiative is central to this vision. It aims to empower Portlanders of all ages and backgrounds to understand the connections between food, health, and cultural identity. Through nutrition education classes, cooking demonstrations, and access-focused events, the program will support healthier food habits while celebrating the diversity of Oregon’s food landscape.
For underserved populations—including communities of color, immigrants, and low-income families—the initiative will also help close persistent gaps in health outcomes by making fresh food and wellness education more available and affordable.
Cambia’s Philanthropic Vision
The Cambia Health Foundation, which serves as the philanthropic extension of Cambia Health Solutions (Regence’s parent company), plays a critical role in expanding the reach of this work. With a mission to advance equity through whole-person health initiatives, Cambia Health Foundation has a long-standing focus on palliative care, behavioral health, and health equity.
This $500,000 pledge to the James Beard Public Market underscores Cambia’s growing commitment to community-based solutions that prioritize social determinants of health—like food security, education, and neighborhood resources.
“Our philanthropic strategy is built around partnerships that can drive long-term change,” said a Cambia Health Foundation spokesperson. “We believe the James Beard Public Market, and specifically its Nutrition for All Initiative, represents the type of community-centered innovation needed to advance health equity in Oregon and beyond.”
Building a Healthier Future for Portland
This landmark partnership between Regence, Cambia Health Foundation, and the James Beard Public Market is a powerful example of how health insurers, philanthropic organizations, and local food systems can come together to improve quality of life across communities. By addressing both education and access, the Nutrition for All Initiative has the potential to shape healthier habits, reduce chronic disease rates, and foster a more inclusive local food economy.
With support from foundational partners like Regence and Cambia, the James Beard Public Market is not only building a culinary hub—it’s laying the groundwork for a healthier Portland, where everyone has the knowledge, access, and opportunity to thrive.
As the Market continues to grow and the summer 2026 opening approaches, organizers are calling on additional supporters, donors, and community advocates to join the effort and help turn this bold vision into a reality. With over $4.2 million raised and counting, momentum is strong, and the future of community-driven food equity in Oregon has never looked brighter.
