Take A Scan Against Hunger

A disturbing irony is that in the agriculturally rich Willamette Valley, the fastest-growing harvest is hunger.

Salem has five of the 22 highest needs schools in Oregon, schools where 90 percent or more of the students qualify for free or reduced-price meal programs based on family income Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - Now through April 30th, shoppers can donate any amount they wish by scanning a coupon at Roth`s checkout counters in Salem, Keizer, Silverton, Independence, Stayton and Woodburn.

According to the Marion-Polk Food Share, over 67,000 individuals in Marion and Polk counties ate from an emergency food box at least once to avoid going hungry during the fiscal year 2005.

Of those helped with a food box, 46 percent were children.

The number of families assisted with a food box provided by a Marion-Polk Food Share network charity increased 24 percent, to more than 5,100 a month.

Marion-Polk Food Share member shelters and on-site meal providers served 690,454 hot meals. The average number of families seeking a food box has increased to more than 5,200 a month. Many have not sought help in several years or are coming to a food pantry for the first time.

The numbers of meals served to individuals is more than 19,000 a month.

The amount of food Marion-Polk Food Share is distributing to our network of member charities is 466,000 pounds per month.

Salem is home to five of the 22 highest needs schools in Oregon. These are schools where 90 percent or more of the students qualify for free or reduced-price meal programs based on family income. Throughout the district, 45.5% of students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch. Also in our service area, Woodburn is the highest need district in the state, with all students qualifying for breakfast and lunch at no charge under USDA regulations.

Salem's large senior citizen population also faces the hunger challenge. Fixed incomes force many seniors to decide between buying food or purchasing the medicine they need to stay healthy.

More than 45,000 people over the age of 65 reside in Marion and Polk counties.

Statistics show three in five elderly Oregonians have no insurance to cover prescriptions, sometimes forcing them to make difficult choices between food, rent, heat and medical expenses.

Recent state revenue shortfalls and budget cuts have made the situation worse.

To help end hunger in Marion and Polk counties call the Marion-Polk Food Share at (503) 581-3855 or visit their Web site at www.foodbanksalem.org