You've probably seen the reports: Local food pantry stocks are running low and need is at an all time high. Food requests and lines to obtain staples have dramatically increased nationwide. At a family owned Colorado farm, an announcement that neighbors could come and get unharvested vegetables turned into a 40,000 person event.
In Oregon, we have achieved the sad distinction of becoming number 3 on the list of states where citizens are most affected by hunger and food insecurity.
The Multnomah County Democrats, in conjunction with the Democratic Party of Oregon and County Parties statewide, ask you to help address this critical problem. And unlike the economy itself, this is something upon which we can have an immediate, positive impact.
Please donate generously to local food banks. A variety of donation options are available:
1. Choose a location from the Oregon Food bank List:
http://www.oregonfoodbank.org/events_and_food_drives/food_drives/food_drop_sites.html2. Make a monetary donation to the Oregon Food Bank
https://secure.oregonfoodbank.org/make_a_difference/donate_funds/secure_donation/ 3. Drop off a donation at the Democratic Party of Oregon/Mult Dems Office at 232 NE 9th in Portland. You can drop off donations between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 503-224-8200 for more information.
4. Every time you are at the grocery store, Look for that food barrel and put something in it. Tens of thousands of Oregonians need your help. Don't just pass it up.
5. Finally, the Multnomah Democratic Party, recognizing that hunger is a problem throughout the year, will collect food donations year-round at Party meetings and gatherings. Our next Mult Dems meeting is 7pm, Thursday, Dec 11, at the Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 NE 40th. Guests and friends are always welcome..
Thank You,
KC Hanson
Chair
Multnomah County Democrats
PS: Here is what the Oregon Food Bank says about making the most of your food donations:
Most wanted foodsOregon Food Bank needs these nutritious foods:canned meats (i.e., tuna, chicken, salmon)
canned and boxed meals (i.e., soup, chili, stew, macaroni and cheese)
peanut butter
canned or dried beans and peas (i.e., black, pinto, lentils)
pasta, rice, cereal
canned fruits
100 percent fruit juice (canned, plastic or boxed).
Oregon Food Bank can't use:? To ensure food safety, we cannot use:
rusty or unlabeled cans
perishable items
homemade items
noncommercial canned or packaged items
alcoholic beverages, mixes or soda
open or used items
PLEASE NOTE: If you donate glass products, please box or bag them separately and label the box or bag "GLASS" on all sides.
Why both food and funds matter:? Food drives provide some of the healthiest and highest-quality food we receive. Food donations also provide a direct connection between donors and people who are hungry.
Cash donations keep our freezers running and our trucks on the road. They also support innovative programs that address the root causes of hunger through advocacy and public education.
Oregon Food Bank makes efficient use of cash donations.
Every dollar you donate enables Oregon Food Bank to collect and distribute 5 pounds of food through its food distribution program.
