Gleaners visit legislators

 More than 15 gleaning organizations shared stories about the challenges and opportunities they face in putting food on their tables during Oregon Food Bank's second biennial gleaners lobby day.

Gleaners, farmers and food bank staff set up displays in the state capitol, had coffee with legislators and legislative staff, participated in advocacy training and met one on one with legislators from their area.

Gleaners asked their legislators to pass anti-hunger bills this session, including a proposal to expand the state earned income tax credit (EITC), a bill to cap the interest on payday loans and a bill to increase funding for farmers market coupons that would give low-income women and children improved access to fresh produce.

Thanks to everyone's participation, legislators learned more about the impact of hunger on families across Oregon .

“We made great progress during the lobby day, but one day is not enough,” says Pam Pedigo, statewide gleaning coordinator. “Gleaners need to continue speaking out for policies aimed at improving the financial stability of all Oregonians.

“Over the next year, OFB staff members hope to work with gleaning organizations to explore opportunities for citizen-centered advocacy. Our aim is to involve gleaning groups in efforts to change policies, practices, and ideas that perpetuate inequality, poverty and hunger.”