Working Theory Farm

Mission

Our mission is to empower youth through the shared work of farming to grow food for partner organizations who distribute this food to families in need.

Bottom Line for Portland

At WTF, Hillsboro-area youth — many facing barriers in traditional systems, including incarceration — earn income through organic, regenerative, no-till farming. 

Through the daily work of tending vegetables and raising livestock, they learn that caring for the soil and feeding their neighbors also nurtures their own growth. The land heals the wounds of industrial agriculture through our practices, and the community gains access to fresh, free produce. Through partners like Centro Cultural's Free Food Mercado, our local Latine community can reconnect with the rhythm of the seasons and the shared abundance of the harvest.

We believe that access to fresh, organic food is a right, not a privilege. 

Together, we can help youth find purpose and help families facing food insecurity find nourishment. Over the last seven years, we’ve distributed more than 85,000 pounds of food and provided meaningful employment to over 60 youth ages 14-24  through our Transitional Employment Program.

Quote

“I really love (the mission). I really feel like I’m giving back…. I graduated high school, I’m no longer in any sort of juvenile detention center or any correctional facility. The farm has helped me realize what career I want to take and has supported me more than any other place that I’ve worked at with what I want to do with my life and supports my choices, my career, and what I want to do.” - J, Farm Youth 

Incentives

Matching Gift: Starting November 1, the first $2,300 in donations will be matched dollar for dollar by New Seasons Market.

Green Drop Bonus: Anyone who gives $75 or more throughout our campaign will receive a $50 off coupon for any auto maintenance or service at Green Drop Garage.

Patagonia Giveaway Days

• Nov. 5 – Big Flight Day: The first donor to give $35+ will receive a Patagonia Terravia Mini Hip Pack in Barnacle Blue. (This incentive has flown the coop — but it’s never too late to make an impact!)

• Nov. 13 – Big Beach Day: The first donor to give $79+ will receive a Patagonia Black Hole® Tote in Current Blue. (This incentive has flown the coop — but it’s never too late to make an impact!)

• Nov. 19 – Big Drinks Day: The first donor to give $49+ will receive a Patagonia Corduroy Cap in Coriander Brown.

• Dec. 10 – Big (Dinner) Cruise Day: The first donor to give $65+ will receive a Patagonia Atom Sling Bag in Smolder Blue.

Farm Experiences

• The first 3 donors who give $650 or more will receive a 2026 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share for one person — 22 weeks of fresh, organic vegetables, June–October 2026 (pickup in Hillsboro).

• The first 8 donors who give $150+ will join our 2026 Baby Pig Homecoming Tour — a private spring visit to meet our new piglets and experience life on our regenerative farm. You pick the day on May 2026.

• Donors who give $100 or more will receive a handwritten thank-you note from the Working Theory Farm team.

Any amount helps youth employment and food access.

Partner(s)

• Comida Kin is a mobile, farm-to-fork food truck inspired by Mexican, American, and Pacific Northwest cuisine. They support local agriculture and regenerative practices, and throughout our campaign will be donating 25% of their Creamy Squash & Carrot Soup sales, as well as 10% of their Soup, Salad & Cornbread plate, additionally they will be generously donating 10% of all sales during our "WTF Night Out" at Pelagic Brewing in Forest Grove on December 5th.

• Green Drop Garage is an eco-friendly auto repair shop serving Portland and Vancouver. They’re partnering with us by offering $50 off coupons to donors giving $75 or more.

• Nuestra Escuela Early Learning Center provides high-quality, full Spanish immersion education and care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in Portland. They’re supporting our outreach through signs and community events that highlight our Give!Guide campaign. 

• Patagonia Portland offers outdoor clothing and gear built for climbing, trail running, and adventure. They generously donated gear for our Big Give Day Patagonia Giveaway incentives. 

• SymbiOp Garden Shop is Portland’s largest ecological gift shop and native plant nursery, proudly worker-owned and focused on sustainable landscaping. They’re helping us reach new audiences by sharing our campaign through their social media platforms.

Nonprofit Partners 

• Adventures Without Limits provides opportunity and adventure for all people, regardless of their ability level, socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, or age. We’re deeply grateful for their mentorship and guidance throughout our first Give!Guide campaign.

• Tualatin Food Pantry alleviates food insecurity in our community in a welcoming way that brings dignity and choice to our neighbors. We’re deeply grateful for their mentorship and guidance throughout our first Give!Guide campaign.