 It was a very busy session this year! We had a number of important successes in our efforts to promote policies that help end hunger. We appreciate all of our partners and their collective efforts to move critical legislation, and the many individual voices who provided support by calling and emailing representatives. Thank you for your ongoing advocacy to help end hunger in Oregon!
Below is a report on the progress we made on the Oregon Hunger Task Force 2013 Legislative Agenda. There's more work to do, but let's take a moment to reflect on our successes.
Patti Whitney-Wise
Executive Director
Goal: Increase economic stability
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - Reducing the tax burden on low-wage workers, leaving more income for basic needs.
The Oregon EITC was extended for 6 years and was reconnected to the federal credit, which increased the amount coming to Oregon by $6 million.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - Protecting children and strengthening families.
We were able to protect the 60-month lifetime limit for TANF benefits (a $10 million investment), and an additional $5 million was invested in the TANF JOBS program. This will help more Oregon families with children access the services they need to stabilize and connect to employment.
Employment-Related Day Care (ERDC) - Supporting safe, affordable childcare for working parents.
A $6.9 million investment means an additional 500 families will access subsidized child care, helping them afford to work and feed their families.
Goal: Cultivate a strong regional food system
Farm Direct Nutrition Programs - Supporting the well being of Oregon's low-income seniors and families.
The Senior Farm Direct Nutrition Program was increased by $200,000, allowing more seniors to access fresh produce during the summer months. The WIC Farm Direct Nutrition Program for women, infants and children was increased by $100,000, helping more families afford the fruits and vegetables they need for good health.
Farm to School and school gardens programs - Connecting more children to Oregon-grown foods at school and in their communities.
An additional $1 million was invested in the Farm to School program, allowing more schools to purchase Oregon grown and processed foods that will be served in school cafeterias across the State.
Goal: Improve the food assistance safety net
Child Nutrition Programs - Feeding low-income children when they are most at risk of hunger.
 Start-up grants for nutrition programs that feed children in afterschool enrichment programs were funded at $360,000. Summer breakfast programs will receive an additional 5 cents per meal reimbursement, encouraging more summer food sites to serve breakfast when school cafeterias are closed.
Oregon Hunger Response Fund - Ensuring emergency food assistance is available when needed.
The Oregon Hunger Response Fund (formerly the General Fund Food Program) received an additional $450,000. This will provide much-needed support for emergency food programs across the State.
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