Legislators need to hear from you, new hunger reports, volunteer with Feast Portland, Farmers markets match SNAP, Thank you

In This Issue

Oregon legislators need to hear from you

New hunger reports

Volunteer with Feast Portland

Farmers' markets matching SNAP

Thank you! We reached our goal!

Become a Partner for a Hunger-Free Oregon.

Read our plan, volunteer, donate, share your story.

OregonHunger.org/Partner

Oregon legislative session: final stretch!

We're down to the final stretch--we have good news to share and we need your help!

First, the GOOD NEWS. Three bills passed both houses and are on their way to the Governor for his signature:

HB 2729 continues mini-grants for the start-up and expansion of Afterschool Meals and Snacks programs across Oregon.
HB 2730 provides five cents per breakfast for Summer Food sponsors, so more children can eat breakfast during the summer.
HB 2649 provides $500,000 for farm-to-school projects, providing more nutritious foods for school children while helping Oregon farmers.

TAKE ACTION--Call or email today!
Be sure to thank your legislators for passing these bills, and ask them to ensure additional funding for Farm Direct Nutrition programs that provide more fresh fruits and vegetables for seniors, moms and kids (SB 456 & HB 2921).

We also need your help extending the Oregon Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC.) It will sunset this year without an extension! We are also asking legislators to expand the Oregon EITC to eight percent of the federal credit, so more families earning below-poverty wages can get help purchasing groceries and other basic needs.

You can find your legislator here.

Thank you for sharing your voice and helping to end hunger in Oregon!

Child hunger in Oregon and the U.S.

New reports share findings about childhood food insecurity in Oregon and across the U.S.:

The USDA's Food Insecurity in Households with Children reveals that 75 percent of households with food-insecure children had one or more adults employed.

Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap shows that Oregon is fourth in the nation for a high percentage of child food insecurity. Their interactive map provides detailed information about food insecurity and food costs on the county level across the U.S.

Feast Portland--can you volunteer?

Looking for a way to get involved in the Feast Portland food festival, beyond just tasting incredible offerings from across the state?

Volunteer: We are recruiting 50 people to help make the festival a success. Volunteer-run events allow Feast to donate all net proceeds to help fight hunger. Sign up to get insider access to a culinary spectacle, while doing your part to help.

Join us for the Hunger Panel: We're assembling a panel of anti-hunger experts, including our own Patti Whitney-Wise, as part of the festival. Bring a friend to this affordable event and come away energized. Buy your ticket today.

Farmers' markets match SNAP dollars!

Check out the 2013 guide to Oregon Farmers Markets.

The directory covers complete market information, including those markets that accept SNAP/EBT, locations and hours, and dates of operation.

In addition to this directory, Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon has begun compiling a list of farmers markets across Oregon that match SNAP benefits. You can see which markets are offering this service, how much they match, and when it starts and ends. This is a growing list of markets, so check back often if you don't see one in your community.

Are you involved with a farmers market? Learn more about how to become authorized to accept SNAP. Contact Simone if you'd like to be added to our list of farmers' markets matching SNAP dollars.

We reached our goal - thank you!

Read Rose's story

Thank you to everyone who donated last month--we met our summer fundraising goal! With many generous supporters we ended the fiscal year on a strong foot, well-positioned to meet our goals in the coming year.

A special thank you to The Penny Post, for donating printing and mailing services to help us tell the story of hunger.