"Who likes their meatloaf?" This question generated a rousing display of enthusiasm from children attending the after-school program Neighbors For Kids in Depoe Bay. The meatloaf was served with mixed vegetables, orange slices, rolls and milk.

A mini-grant is helping Neighbors For Kids serve hot meals to kids in Depoe Bay.

Neighbors For Kids is running the federally funded Afterschool Meals and Snack program that provides reimbursement for meals in areas that qualify. A recent mini-grant paid for new equipment so NFK could serve more hot meals. Toby Winn, executive director, said it's part of his vision to nourish both minds and bodies.

Rose Walker, PHFO child hunger prevention manager, worked with NFK on its mini-grant and recently visited its site. "They are doing excellent work, and we are happy to support them in serving more hot meals to kids," Rose says.

Calling all pie lovers - sweet or savory!  Mark your calendars to eat out Tuesday, March 12, when Pacific Pie Co. will donate a portion of proceeds to Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon.

Located next door to us at 1520 SE Seventh Ave. in Portland, Pacific Pie Co. specializes in handmade pot pies, pasties and sweet pies that use the best local and organic ingredients. Pacific Pie Co.'s full menu also offers delicious seasonal soups and salads. Come say "hi," enjoy a great meal and support our work!

Tina Kotek, speaker of the Oregon House, and Patti Whitney-Wise, PHFO executive director

On Valentine's Day, dozens of PHFO friends and allies came to the Oregon Capitol to advocate for anti-hunger legislation.

All the state legislators received a Valentine that thanked them for their good work and asked them to focus on increasing food security and family stability during the 2013 legislative session. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated!

The Oregon legislative session is full swing, and a number of our priorities are being discussed:

• EITC - Oregon Earned Income Tax Credit: A hearing is scheduled in the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee at 1 p.m. on March 1 in hearing room A at the Oregon State Capitol. Come join us!
• TANF - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: The House Human Services Committee held an informational hearing on TANF on Feb. 18. Staff from PHFO and other advocates were invited to provide testimony.  

Take action! Attend the EITC hearing, or if your senator is on the Finance and Revenue Committee, call or email and ask him or her to extend and make new investments in EITC. Not sure who your legislator is? Find my Legislator.

 

Visit our website to learn about these and other priority items to end hunger in Oregon during the 2013 legislative session.  

Big thanks to Senator Merkley and Commissioner Smith! In January 2013, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley and Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith continued the conversation, holding a public forum on hunger among Oregon seniors and opportunities through The Older Americans Act.

We are sad to say goodbye to Judith Auslander, our senior SNAP outreach specialist, who is leaving PHFO in February after almost five years to pursue other opportunities. We celebrate her for dispelling myths about SNAP through presentations, focus groups and one-to-one support, and for modeling collaboration with DHS and other community partners.

Judith connected with hundreds of seniors, helping them learn about SNAP and other resources, and she educated many partners through trainings about senior nutrition and the importance of SNAP.

Thank you, Judith, for all your hard work and dedication. We will miss you!