$8 million in assistance going to support local food bank

Oregon’s Governor, Kate Brown, announced on Monday that the state will be providing $8 million in assistance funding to the Oregon Food Bank.

Brown said the new donation to the state’s food bank will be a huge help, as the charity organization sees its demand sky-rocket in lieu of nation-wide economic shutdown and job loss.

“In times of crisis, no Oregonian should need to wonder where they can find food for their family,” wrote Gov. Brown on the state website. “I know many Oregonians, through no fault of their own, have lost their jobs and incomes due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Oregon Food Bank Network is a vital resource for families in need.”

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FEMA is expected to pay 75% of the total.

Currently, there are 21 food banks in the state, and more than 1,400 food assistance sites. With new funds, those locations will have a better ability to feed and supply food and sustenance to Oregonians in this time of need.

Food banks in the state normally rely on donations more than funding, but with the decrease in jobs, and financial strain across the globe, donations to the bank have lessened.

“The organization is facing an increase in demand while they also address a significant decrease in food donations from commercial sources,” added Brown.

“Hunger was a crisis before the pandemic – especially for communities of color, migrant and immigrant communities, trans communities, and single moms,” said Susannah Morgan, Oregon Food Bank CEO. “We’re grateful for the continued leadership of Governor Brown and our partnership with the state’s emergency coordination center as we work together to address this crisis head-on.”