In This Issue

Become a partner today

Meet our new communications manager

A critical time for SNAP: 3 ways to help

Become a Partner

Receive a window decal when you become a partner!

Are you a Partner yet? A little over a year ago, we launched a campaign to engage more people in our mission, and to create an easy way to partner with us in preventing hunger.

The response has been exciting! So far, 425 people have signed up to help. We have partners interested in volunteering, donating, receiving advocacy alerts, attending events and sharing stories about hunger.

If you haven't become an official "Partner" yet, please take a moment to sign up today.

It only takes a minute!

Welcome Elizabeth!

We are especially pleased to announce the addition of Elizabeth Seaberry to our staff as the our Communications Manager.

With nearly five years of experience directing media relations for two mission-driven organizations, Elizabeth has secured press coverage in media outlets such as the Sunday New York Times, The Washington Post, and NPR's Talk of the Nation program.

As a foundation of her media relations work, Elizabeth was instrumental in helping to build a library of stories to represent the voices of community members impacted by the programs she represented. Prior to becoming involved with nonprofit communications, Elizabeth worked in politics for several years. She served on three federal political campaigns, and was a Congressional staffer for two members of Congress. Since moving to Oregon last year, Elizabeth has volunteered with Playworks Pacific Northwest.

We are grateful to have Elizabeth join our staff and to the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) and the Kresge Foundation for making this position possible.

A critical time for SNAP: 3 ways to help

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) is the cornerstone of our nutrition safety net. Even so, all recipients received a cut in food benefits this month. PHFO has worked diligently to raise awareness. From a recent article in The Oregonian:

"Ten dollars per person per month adds up really fast. What are you going to cut out? It might mean the only fruits and vegetables you're able to purchase will no longer be available." ~ Patti Whitney-Wise, ED, PHFO

Just days before the cut took effect, the 2013 Farm Bill Conference Committee held its first meeting. We were pleased Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) spoke out about the cuts and the impact on Oregonians.

Three ways to help:

Share our fact sheet about how Oregonians might be able to lessen the impact of the cuts.
Share your story on how SNAP cuts have impacted you or someone you know.
Support advocacy work to protect and strengthen SNAP.