Natalie J: No kid should worry about not having food

My name is Natalie, and I am writing today to ask for your time and support for those in need of food. I grew up in a household living check-to-check, where all members had to contribute in order to have dinner; I feel the strong need to advocate for supporting others going through the same situation.

I have volunteered in food pantries and am always happy and grateful to help and support our community. One experience in particular, was when I was volunteering at my old school, Conestoga Middle School in Beaverton, Oregon, as a tutor and other tasks. For a while, I was cleaning and restocking their food pantry, which I was unaware they had, which could have benefitted me. I was heartbroken seeing that one student had to ask us if she could take food for her household. She was given a backpack to carry the food to hide it and avoid feeling embarrassed in front of other students. When she left, her mom was in the front office holding a baby, a quiet reminder of the challenges their family was facing.

As an Oregonian and an advocate for human rights, no kid should worry about not having a meal for the night. We all deserve access to healthy and tasty foods, as one of our basic needs. I ask our legislator, Senator Lieber, to support the Food for All Oregonians bill to reduce this need in our communities.

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Please take a moment today to tell lawmakers: Food for All Oregonians must be part of the state budget.

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