Food security

Food access in a time of need

The research on hunger and food insecurity is clear. Even temporary lack of access to food can have serious health consequences (Office for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion). For Oregonians in need of help for themselves or their families, it’s important that we know what types of support are available.

• Find food: the Oregon Food Bank network supports more than 1,400 local meal sites and food pantries that provide free food to anyone in need. You can locate assistance or help others find food on the Oregon Food Bank website.
• Donate food: local meal sites and food pantries are happy to receive food donations from the public to distribute to people in need. Unopened and unexpired foods from commercial sources are always welcome. Food safely gleaned from local farms and home-grown fresh produce is also accepted by many pantries, but home cooked or home preserved foods are usually not accepted. Call ahead before donating.
• Encourage safe food handling: As people look to stretch their food dollar, it’s important to remember that food that is expired or has been mishandled is not safe to eat. OSU Extension has a helpful guide on safe food handling at home and on safe food storage that can help consumers understand when it’s time to throw something out.

Seed to Supper

Seed to Supper was co-created by the Oregon Food Bank and OSU Extension. Today, the program is entirely run by OSU Extension. We have pledged to maintain a focus on communities who have historically experienced disproportionate rates of hunger, including people of color, immigrants and refugees, trans and gender nonconforming communities, and single moms and caregivers.