House votes to cut SNAP by $40 billion

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to cut SNAP (formerly food stamps) by $40 billion last week. If enacted, this cut will reduce or eliminate food assistance for millions of Americans, including tens of thousands in Oregon. See how your representative voted.

The Oregon Food Bank has stated it cannot make up for a cut this deep, which means hunger will worsen significantly in our State.

We need your help!
Call your members of Congress today and deliver the following message:

Hunger is unacceptably high in Oregon. SNAP is helping more than 800,000 Oregonians put food on their table every day. All of us benefit when children are well-nourished and parents are healthy.

Because of the looming cuts, the year ahead isn't going to be easy. Please consider supporting our work. Help us continue to hold the line against hunger and create an Oregon where all of us can thrive.

If you read Robyn Johnson's story last month, you know how vital it is to pass legislation that invests in Oregon's future and helps eliminate poverty and hunger. Thank you for your help.

Coming in October: After-school mini-grants

Do you work for an after-school program that struggles to feed kids? Could your organization utilize funds to help start or expand access to the USDA meal program for children during after-school hours?

Be sure to check our web site in early October for more information about the grants and how to apply. You can also learn more about becoming a sponsor of the federally-funded Afterschool Meal and Snack Program.

Back-to-school reminder

Remember to tell friends and family with school-aged kids that October is a very important month for Free/Reduced Price meal applications.

Applications are easy and quick to fill out, and are important for kids' nutrition as well as for school budgets. Increasing participation is a win-win for kids, schools and communities!

Job opening: Communications manager

Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon is growing!

Do you have a passion for inspiring others? Do you have a talent for crafting compelling messages? Do you daydream about proper punctuation along with social justice?

Bring your talent and creativity to our small team of dedicated advocates and help end hunger in Oregon. Position closes Wednesday, October 9th. Learn more.

Film screening: American Winter October 2nd

Join Oregon Faith Roundtable on Hunger and the Oregon Center for Public Policy (OCCP) for a special screening of American Winter. OCPP executive director Chuck Sheketoff provides expert commentary in the film and will talk with the audience following the screening.

Date: Wednesday, October 2nd
Time: 7:30pm (doors open at 6:45pm)
Place: Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland
Cost: Tickets are $5.
Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (503) 281-4215 or online.

Filmed in Portland, this award-winning documentary follows eight families as they navigate financial challenges and a shrinking social safety net during the Great Recession.

Thank you!

Last week, we hosted a special screening of the documentary, A Place At The Table. We had a good turnout, fantastic audience participation and took lots of #WhyWeFeast pics!

Thank you to everyone who came out to learn more about hunger, to PHFO board member Jaime Arredondo for sharing his story, and to McMenamins Mission Theatre for donating proceeds from the ticket sales!

If you missed it, you can watch the documentary on Netflix, ITunes or Amazon.com.

Want to host a private screening of A Place At The Table? Contact Simone to talk about hosting a "Partners Party!"

Feast Portland is about food for everyone

By Simone Crowe
AmeriCorps VISTA, Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon

Governor John Kitzhaber and PHFO Executive Director Patti Whitney-Wise at "Hunger Bites, Let's End It"

"Despite months of preparations, as a first-time "Feaster," I wasn't sure what to expect. I know Oregon has some of the best food, wine and beer in the country, and some of the most generous, politically engaged citizens, but what I experienced Friday blew all of my preconceived notions out of the water.

I began the festivities of Feast Portland--shortly after rolling out of bed--by attending a surprisingly energetic and powerful panel of anti-hunger activists moderated by Executive Director, Patti Whitney-Wise: "Hunger Bites, Let's End It."

After the riveting food for thought, it was time to indulge in some food for my belly..." Read more about Simone's story

Thank you to everyone who came out to Bon Apetit Presents, Feast Portland! It was a huge honor to be a beneficiary of this festival.

We took LOTS of photos, which will be added to our Facebook site soon, and stay tuned to learn how much money was raised to help end child hunger in Oregon and across the nation.

We hope to see you at next year's Feast Portland!