Food Insecurity

Last month, the President of the Oregon Food Bank said the state is seeing the worst rates of hunger since the Great Depression. KLCC checked in with some area food pantries to see how they’re doing.

The bill comes as the Oregon Food Bank says one in eight residents experience hunger.

According to the latest reliable data sources, about 16% of the residents of Lane County live in households with incomes at or below the poverty level. The proportion is higher in the urban areas.

The fall Letter Carriers Food Drive is coming up in Lane County. It’s a chance to make donations of food items by leaving them in bags at the mailbox for pickup by postal carriers. But this year’s drive has some major changes.

A new by-the-numbers report by a southern Oregon foundation that focuses on rural issues paints a troubling and challenging picture of Lincoln County on subjects ranging from education to food insecurity and child poverty to family financial hardship.

More Oregonians were food insecure, couldn’t afford groceries or outright skipped meals in 2023, compared to 2020. That’s according to an annual U.S. Department of Agriculture household food security report released Wednesday.

Oregon is set to participate in a new federal summer food program that could benefit nearly 300,000 kids across the state.

Here’s some food for thought: One area food bank expects increased need this winter, and higher food costs.

School districts across Oregon are fighting summer hunger with free meal programs for kids. Many families struggle with food insecurity over the summer.

Senate Bill 610 would create a program mirroring SNAP benefits for those who can't apply for the federal assistance. It's been approved by the Oregon Senate's Human Services Committee.

P-EBT cards will arrive in the mail for eligible children who are facing food insecurity because of COVID-19 related school closures.

February 6th marked the beginning of Food Hero's giveaway program. Individuals and groups are encouraged to sign up to receive a free seed kit.