Abolish Hunger Now

One of Several Community Gardens-See Sponsoring Partners in 3rd Photo

US Marines Grow this Garden For Anyone in Need

This Partnership Makes Gardens Possible-See next Photo

A Closer View of Community Partnerships

Sustainability comes in a lot of packages. It can refer to food security, agriculture practices, green building, finances, energy, transportation and more. Food security is a big concern. Rising prices, pesticides, lack of access, generational poverty, the high cost of public benefit programs all play a role. Churches, nonprofits and businesses can help by developing sustainable partnerships. For instance a local Lutheran church has partnered with one of the largest health care systems in the United States, several local businesses and Thrivent Financial, a Lutheran organization to create a garden that is now serving apartment dwellers. Yesterday a member of our team interviewed the church secretary and looked at available plans and materials. The church has two master gardeners and several garden mentors available to answer gardening questions for apartment dwellers. Many have never grown a garden before and just need a little guidance. No pesticides are permitted in the garden, and gardeners are asked to use organic seeds. Seed sharing is highly encouraged. Soon we will post pictures that explain this partnership. There are many ways to improve food security. Willamette Christian Church in West Linn receives donated food from Whole Foods. They serve a meal on Sundays at 12:30pm and participants may "shop" for groceries after lunch. Some participants also freeze, can or dehydrate foods when quantities are sufficient. The availability of high quality food and produce helps mitigate health problem, and hunger, but also encourages use of fresh food and food preservation. Growing Gardens is a nonprofit that helps persons who have very low incomes become more sufficient by teaching them how to grow some of their own food. There is a long wait list. Mentors are assigned to help teach gardening skills. The organization uses volunteers to build raised beds, provides containers for gardening on decks or patios, tests for lead in soil if needed, and provides seeds to help gardeners get started. The food stamp program now allows participants to purchase vegetable seeds. Our company is challenging small businesses to incorporate sustainable practices in the workplace that build employee skills. We believe this can serve as a training ground that pays rich dividends. Employees that are exposed to the idea of growing food, preparing healthy food and snacks and breaking bread at work improve relational skills, learn about healthy practices, and eat better. They may in turn take some of what they learn at work and incorporate it at home. We also encourage the idea of family days to help children of employees learn new skills.

Bikes Friendly Workplaces

Bike Safety and etiquette are hot topics in western Oregon. There is easy access to bike shops in urban areas. Recently we visited a volunteer led, fee-based bicycle repair shop where novelist and experienced cyclists can stop in for a quick fix. Bicycle mechanics are available to provide information and guidance. Now let's put this in the context of a small business or nonprofit setting. What would happen if employees could come together in the work place before or after their shift, or during their lunch hour to maintain their bicycle? All it takes is a space the size of a single garage, a couple bike stands, tool to work on wheels, and a little shelf space, a tool library and resource guides. On-site resources promote a healthier life style, dialogue to use cycling in fundraising efforts, team building through cycling, and community outreach. Businesses and nonprofits can help be creating safe zones for employees to secure their bikes and associated equipment. Now lets extend that question to other forms of transportation. Employers can create a postive helping environment by providing access to resources for users of electric wheel chairs and motorized scooters. Wheel chair races and wheel chair basketball afford persons with handicaps to laugh, play, become role models and be viewed as differently abled. Support resources may include staffing the space with volunteers who are trained in repair and providing access to tools. A disabled person may or may not be able to assist, however they can certainly gain knowlege and become aware of maintenence needs, preventive measures and can instruct others on how to help if necessary.