Increase Food Security in Oregon

Hello,

Our project asks to support  the immediate need of food insecurity in Oregon and Clark County, Washington.  You respond and we thank you!

Did you know that Oregon Food Bank works to eliminate hunger and its root causes.  We are having an impact on both the immediate as well as long-term efforts in hunger relief and in April, Feeding America recognized and applauded the creativity of our FEAST program.

Oregon Food Bank received a 2013 Innovation Award in food banking at the annual Feeding America Network Executive Directors' Forum  in Nashville. Feeding America presents the award to the year’s most innovative programs from the 202 food banks across the nation in the Feeding America network.

Judges awarded Oregon Food Bank for its FEAST (Food, Education, Agriculture, Solutions, Together) program, an initiative that helps to create a "big tent" approach to food banking by empowering community members to build healthier, more equitable and more resilient food systems through a community organizing model. 

During FEAST events, community members tell the story of their local food system and are introduced to community food systems organizing principles and language from throughout the area. Outcomes of the FEAST process have included partnerships between farmers and emergency food providers, new farm-to-school partnerships, new and expanded farmers’ markets, and the formation of food systems coalitions.

The FEAST program has also become a key strategy in the food bank’s work by building stronger, more-connected communities and mobilizing existing resources to improve local food systems and individual food self-sufficiency.

“Oregon Food Bank continues to show why it’s a leader in our Network,” said Bob Aiken, president and CEO of Feeding America, the nation’s leading hunger relief charity. “This award shows the innovation and creativity of the food bank’s staff to help fight hunger in their community.”

“We are thrilled to receive this national honor,” said Susannah Morgan, CEO, Oregon Food Bank. “I especially recognize the thoughtful work of OFB’s community food security team, Sharon Thornberry and Megan Newell-Ching, who have crisscrossed Oregon to introduce FEAST in more than 40 communities. The beauty of this model is that it builds on community empowerment and self-determination. It encourages people to envision – and bring about – what works best for their own special place.

Together we can make a difference in so many peoples lives.  Thank you!

Links:

• Community FEAST