High unemployment and growing foreclosures forced a record number of people in Oregon and Clark County, Wash., to seek emergency food in fiscal year 2008-09. Distribution of emergency food boxes throughout the Oregon Food Bank Network skyrocketed to historic highs, according to the OFB Network's annual year-end report (July 1, 2008-June 30,2009) released 9/10/09. Distribution of emergency food boxes increased more than 13% from 792,000 to 897,000 in 2008-09- an annual increase of 105,000 additional emergency food boxes. "This is unprecedented," CEO, Rachel Bristol emphasizes. "It's by far the largest number of emergency food boxes the OFB Network has ever distributed in a single fiscal year." Throughout the OFB Network, agencies reported seeing many, many new faces... people seeking help for the first time in their lives... people who previously had good jobs and never thought they would need help. "We ask for the community's continued support," Bristol says. "September is national Hunger Action Month, and we encourage everyon eto donate food, funds and time to help fight hunger."

Pictures:

• Community Coming Together (JPG)

The summer months are a trying time for families whose children receive meals at school. There are several summertime programs that offer lunches but they may be difficult for families to get to so they turn to the Oregon Food Bank to supplement their cupboards.
The community is aware of the increased need and are responding with generous donations of high protein items as well as the bounty from their gardens. Local farmers help the community by providing some of their harvest to Oregon Food Bank. Many people are holding independent food drives in conjunction with their summertime celebrations to help feed their neighbors. Demand for emergency food is in line with the economic indicators but together we can make a difference because no one should be hungry.
Thank you for your support!