Resources and Action to Help End Summer Hunger
Resources and Action to Help End Summer Hunger
For families facing food insecurity, June has long marked a time when kids no longer have easy access to breakfast and lunch at school. Many parents and caregivers have to come up with at least 10 additional meals per week, per child.
This year, thousands of additional families are struggling to put food on the table as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Coupled with the added pressure of rising food, housing and fuel costs, the summer months are shaping up to be an even more difficult period for so many of us to make ends meet.
Many of our 1,400+ pantries, free food markets and meal sites are already seeing a sharp spike in demand for food assistance, with new families seeking help in numbers we haven’t experienced in more than a year. Our network of regional food banks is moving mountains to ensure nutritious food reaches communities throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.
So whether you live in the city, the suburbs, or in our rural and remote areas, know that food is available this summer.
If you’re in a position to help, there are concrete ways to have an impact right now. We’re excited to partner with KPTV and Fred Meyer to raise awareness of these challenges and encourage action. Your support helps area pantries, free food markets and meal sites ramp up local efforts while school is out.
Thanks to strong government and community support, there are a host of resources available to support area families over the summer months:
The Summer Food Service Program is available in hundreds of communities throughout Oregon — offering free meals and snacks to all kids and teens. Find local sites at summerfoodoregon.org.
If your kids are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, Pandemic EBT offers extra grocery money for families while school is closed — and additional SNAP benefits were just extended to at least the end of summer. Details and online applications are at needfood.oregon.gov.
Many farmers’ markets and grocery stores will double the value of SNAP dollars to connect families to more fresh fruits and vegetables. Participating locations can be found at doubleuporegon.org.
As always, our Network of food assistance sites are open throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington — offering fresh produce and pantry staples to all who need it. Find pantries and delivery options near you on our FoodFinder app. These locations are often able to accept consumer-donated food as well, so be sure to check out local options in your community!
