PORTLAND, Ore. — Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) and Congressman David Wu (OR-01) joined United States Department of Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack in commemorating the success of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act resources provided to Oregon Food Bank, which helped needy Oregonians during these difficult economic times.
"USDA funds from President Obama’s Recovery Act are helping provide high quality, nutritious food to Oregonians in need while creating jobs. In these difficult economic times, our federal nutrition programs have never been a more important safety net,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
“The Recovery Act grants have been instrumental in helping the Oregon Food Bank deliver vital services to Oregonians,” said Schrader. “The recent economic downturn has led to an increase in demand for food bank services and I am pleased that these grants have helped Oregon Food Bank meet these demands at a time when Oregonians need it most.”
“Thanks to more than $1.3 million in federal assistance, Oregon Food Bank was able to purchase additional bulk foods and distribute much-needed emergency food assistance to keep Oregonians fed during the recent tough economic times,” said Congressman David Wu. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues today and recognize our collective commitment to stepping up during a recession to help Oregonians in need.”
"Rural and urban communities all across Oregon are feeling the pains of hunger. We are one of the most food insecure states in the nation. The Oregon Food Bank is a life line for individuals and families seeking assistance. With Recovery Act funding, food drives, hundreds of volunteers and benefit events like the famous Waterfront Blues Festival, they are making a difference day in and day out and I am pleased to support their efforts." -Congressman Earl Blumenauer
Congressman Kurt Schrader and Congressman David Wu joined visiting Secretary Tom Vilsack at Oregon Food Bank to tour the facility and commemorate the success of two American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants.
Oregon Food bank received more than $1.2 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) funding for the purchase of 864,682 pounds of USDA food – equivalent to almost 22 semi-truck loads - through USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
“USDA commodities are the foundation of an emergency food box. These additional truckloads of nutritious food helped the Oregon Food Bank Network respond to unprecedented need,” said Rachel Bristol, CEO, Oregon Food Bank.
The Oregon Food Bank Network also received $606,174 in Recovery Act funding for administrative costs associated with storage and distribution of food from TEFAP. Distribution of emergency food boxes through the OFB Network has increased by 14 percent in the past year and this grant funding has helped the Oregon Food Bank Network keep up with rapidly increasing delivery needs state-wide. The grant funding also enabled the Oregon Food Bank Network to hire and retain more than a half dozen employees.
These funds have been instrumental in allowing the Oregon Food Bank Network to provide services at a time when Oregonians need it most.
