Community engagement programs and leadership opportunities
Community engagement programs and leadership opportunities
At Oregon Food Bank we focus on building community power to eliminate hunger and its root causes for good. Our work to address the root causes of hunger amplifies community voices and grows grassroots power. We are building a movement that brings people together to create real and lasting change. On this page you can learn more about some of our community engagement programs and the different leadership opportunities across Oregon that seek to create solutions to end food insecurity.
Food, Education, Agriculture, Solutions Together (FEAST)
Program Description: FEAST (Food, Education, Agriculture, Solutions Together) is a community organizing process that supports conversations about food that lead to local action. Through the FEAST Support Fund grant program, Oregon Food Bank supports local leadership teams to plan and hold FEAST conversations in their community. From those conversations, communities identify projects to implement that help strengthen their local food system and build community food security.
Program Timeline: October through the following December (15 months)
Who is eligible? A team of at least three people from a community in Oregon or Clark County, WA can apply to the FEAST Support Fund. You will need a fiscal sponsor to receive the funds (501c3 or LLC). Preference is given to applicants from Oregon Food Bank’s equity constituencies: immigrant and refugee communities, Black, Indigenous, and all communities of color, trans and gender expansive communities, and single mothers or caregivers. FEAST also gives preference to rural communities.
Funding: FEAST Support Fund recipients receive a $10,000 grant, which includes $3,000 for Leadership Team member support and $7,000 for FEAST events and projects.
How to apply: The application is posted on the FEAST webpage annually on July 1.
Contact: Adriana Cvitkovic (she/her), acvitkovic@oregonfoodbank.org, 971-223-3359
Learn More: More about the FEAST Support Fund at the link here
Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) Ambassador Program
Program Description: Double Up Food Bucks Oregon (DUFB) is a program that earns shoppers more SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as “food stamps”) dollars to spend on fruits and vegetables when they use their Oregon Trail Card at participating grocery stores, farmers markets, farm stands and farms in the state. The DUFB Ambassador Program recruits five leaders to engage in program activities for nine months. DUFB Ambassadors identify ways to strengthen the impact of the program on communities disproportionately impacted by hunger and food insecurity. Join a cohort of community leaders who will provide direct outreach and education about DUFB, inform program decisions to lift barriers to participation, and improve the program's overall accessibility.
Program Timeline: 9 months
Who is eligible? Ambassadors must reside in Oregon and be 18 or older. Preference is given to applicants from Oregon Food Bank’s equity constituencies: immigrant and refugee communities, Black, Indigenous, and all communities of color, trans and gender expansive communities, and single mothers or caregivers. DUFB Ambassadors are committed to championing equity efforts within their personal lives, workplace and community, and will add representation of diverse perspectives to the cohort. English proficiency is not necessary for this role. Translation and interpretation services are available for all meetings and written materials.
Funding: Oregon Food Bank will provide technological support and funds to remove financial barriers (child care, transportation costs, etc.) to participate in this program. Ask us to learn more.
How to apply: Apply online in English or Spanish. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Contact: Mason Durfee (they/them), mdurfee@oregonfoodbank.org, 971-223-3358
Learn More: DUFB Ambassador Program Description
Food Systems Ambassador Program
Program Description: The Food Systems Ambassador Program recruits four to six leaders for culturally specific communities, and supports this cohort for 15 months of relationship building, intercultural exchange, program development and implementation, and initiating service entities at local, state and federal levels. Ambassadors will receive interpretation and translation services to ensure that English language proficiency is not a barrier. Support will include: financial incentives and community grant funds, 1:1 support, group training regarding hunger relief programs, farm & garden projects, leadership development, community fundraising, and civic engagement activities. Technological support will be provided to increase access to virtual meetings.
Program Timeline: 15 months
Who is eligible? Anyone who identifies as a member of an underserved or marginalized community. Preference is given to applicants from Oregon Food Bank’s equity constituencies: immigrant and refugee communities, Black, Indigenous, and all communities of color, trans and gender expansive communities, and single mothers or caregivers.
Funding: ~$5,800 Community Grant for Ambassador Project, additional funds and grants available throughout the program year, with a goal of continued funding after project completion.
How to apply: Applications are active July — September. Call or email Ambassador Program Organizer. Referrals for other people are welcome, please consider who in your community would be interested in being a Food Systems Ambassador.
Contact: ddinhanian@oregonfoodbank.org
