Increase Food Security in Oregon

Recession takes its toll on families

Latest USDA hunger report shows continuing hunger crisis in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (Nov. 15, 2010) – Hunger in Oregon continued to hover far above the national average as the Great Recession battered Oregon’s economy, according to the 2009 hunger report released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

• Oregon, once again, remains among the top five hungriest states in the nation, as it was last year.
• About 13.9 percent of households – more than half-a-million Oregonians – suffered food insecurity.
• And 6.6 percent of households – more than 225,000 individuals -- suffer very low food security – or hunger.

Food-insecure households had difficulty providing enough food for their family because they lacked resources. About a third of food-insecure households suffer very low food security (hunger), which means they cut or skipped meals, sometimes for whole days, because they didn’t have enough money or other resources for food.

“No one should be hungry,” said Rachel Bristol, CEO, Oregon Food Bank. “Hunger affects a child’s ability to learn and a worker’s ability to be productive. Ultimately, it affects everyone in our society. Working together, we can eliminate hunger and its root causes,” said Bristol. “It’s not only the right thing to do, it makes economic sense.”

 “The bad economy has taken a hard toll on Oregonians. The unemployment rate remains high, along with home foreclosures and other indicators that families are struggling,” said Patti Whitney-Wise, executive director, Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. “This report shows us that Oregonians are choosing to go without food to pay for needs such as housing, healthcare and childcare.”

These numbers are the harsh reality but with your assistance Oregon Food Bank has been able to distribute a record number of pounds of food for hunger relief.  Thank you for supporting our efforts ...because no one should be hungry.