"HUNGRY, ANYTHING HELPS"

Cardboard signs abound on many corners in Portland, Oregon. And behind them are invisible people. Some profit handsomely, some take turns working shifts, and many are exploited.  Handing people money rarely solves a problem. The best way to help is to financially support local pantries, shelters, and churches that are set up to serve the public or volunteer your time.

This is an update on consulting work with a church in S.E. Portland. Their initial goal was to launch a community pantry in a diverse neighborhood with higher than average food insecurity.

After nearly a year of probono work, it has been well worth the small investment of time.

The pantry team has doubled in size, and added several community partners. The pantry served 12 families in January. Growth has steadily increased and in the month of September, the pantry served 73 families.

This group is mirroring Jesus's words to feed the hungry. Hunger is what happens when a person doesn't have enough to eat. And it begins to impact a child in school, or a parent at work.

Food insecurity refers to a long list of problems that contribute to hunger-job loss, no high school diploma, loss of housing, no affordable child care and more.

Addressing food insecurity requires building relationships, identifying needs, assessing readiness, community partnerships, financial resources and a huge core of trained volunteers. 

Pantries offer emergency assistance, and give families time to improve their financial circumstances to prevent food insecurity as a way of life.

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Five Produce Sharing Ideas

Years ago we coordinated an informal garden produce exchange at a local church. People brought in their extras, and those who needed or had use for it took what they wanted-no questions asked.

Years later we began sharing our abundance with others. What we didn't grow we picked at local farms. Since we were picking for ourselves, and were already there, we began asking for donations to share at church. We obtained a receipt book from the church. At the height of the season we brought in two pick up trucks filled with boxes of produce. We washed, trimmed and displayed it. Anything that remained was taken to Blanchet House. Blanchet house is downtown Portland. They prepare meals 365 days a year for anyone that comes through their doors. We always appreciated their willingness to make use of anything we brought in.

In a recent post we added a picture of a raised bed. All the produce in this raised bed is free. The US Marines grow this garden. Many small businesses have room to grow a raised bed. Produce can be used to prepare group meals to improve nutrition at work. Moreover working together in the garden builds relationships.

One church near downtown has historically grown a row in their community garden for the food bank.

Finally, many nonprofits serve persons in need. There are many ways to share produce. One is through a work share. Rather than a hand out, a person requesting assistance could volunteer at a garden and receive part of the bounty.