New hunger statistics from USDA, plus a back-to-school request

In This Issue

Upcoming Events

Oregon State Legislature
Interim Days:
September 21-23rd

Western Region Anti-Hunger Consortium Meeting:
September 26-27th

OregonASK Afterschool Conference:
October 22nd

Oregon Food Security Summit:
January 19-20, 2012

Quick Links

Who We Are

What We Do

Take Action

Food insecurity in Oregon persists, but help is available.

Every year, the USDA releases a report showing how many people in each state are suffering from hunger. The latest report shows hunger is a continuing problem for Oregon families.

We're working hard to get the word out about programs that can help families, and to let our lawmakers and community leaders know how they can help. Below are some ways you can get involved. Please join these efforts!

New USDA Report: Hunger is high in Oregon

More than 500,000 Oregonians struggled to get enough nutritious food to eat from 2008-2010, according to the latest report from USDA.

In the upcoming months, Congress will make decisions about federal nutrition programs that affect Oregon. We continue to see evidence of the struggles facing many people in our state. Congress must support job creation while protecting our nation's safety net.

What you can do:
· Ask your U.S. Senator or Representative to protect food assistance programs (Find your Legislator)
· Attend our Hunger Summit January 19-20, 2012
· Read our 5-year plan, Ending Hunger Before it Begins

School is in session! But are all kids eating?

Applications due soon for free/reduced-price meals!

The National School Lunch, School Breakfast and Afterschool Meal programs shield many Oregon students from hunger and increase their family's food security.

Each fall, families need to fill out applications to receive free or reduced-cost school meals. The form is quick, confidential and now available online. Even so, not every family applies. Teens have the lowest participation in school meals.

Help us spread the word.

Increasing Access to School Meals

This month we launched a campaign to encourage schools to make it easy and even fun for families to hand in applications. It's in everyone's best interest: kids are well fed, families can qualify for other benefits and high-need schools are able to access funds and support. You can help!

Help us ensure eligible kids get affordable school meals

Make a donation today to support our Child Nutrition Program, and we will ensure that programs around the state are well-run, meeting government guidelines and the needs of kids in local communities. Make your dollars make a difference to thousands of kids in Oregon.