Food for thought
The Oregon Food Bank and its partner agencies provide emergency services to struggling families while addressing the state’s growing hunger problem.
Hunger is on the rise in Oregon. Despite an improving economy and rich agricultural diversity, nearly one in six Oregon families struggles to put food on the table, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
While emergency food pantries aren't a permanent solution, they can help to ease the suffering. Each year the Oregon Food Bank distributes more than a million boxes of healthy food to hungry families across the state. The food is donated by farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and individuals, then redistributed through a network of regional partners and community volunteers.
One of those partners is ACCESS, the Community Action Agency for Jackson County. Struggling families can get a three- to five-day supply of groceries at one of 24 emergency pantries in the rural southwestern county. With help from volunteers, the agency also grows fresh produce in its seven gardens and provides assistance with housing, medical equipment, and weatherization.
Many factors contribute to Oregon's rising hunger rate, including long-term unemployment, persistent underemployment, and the high cost of food, utilities, and rent. Through advocacy, education, and strengthening community food systems, the Oregon Food Bank is helping to fill pantries while fighting the root causes of hunger.
Oregon Food Bank is just one of the businesses featured in SAIF's 2016 calendar. You can see the others-as well as online issues of Comp News—by visiting our website.