Salem-News.com Hunger articles Page 24

Biennial Hunger Survey Indicates Oregon`s Economy Produces Jobs That Pay Too Little to Cover Cost of Living

"It's a crime to work full time and still not be able to afford to feed your children properly. The cost of living does not match income. We run out of money well before payday each month." – food box recipient, Salem

(PORTLAND) - The Oregon Food Bank Network's 2006 Hunger Factors Survey indicates that the area's strong economy is producing jobs, but many of these don't pay enough to cover basic living costs.

That's a major finding of the 2006 Hunger Factors Assessment, a biennial survey of emergency food box recipients in Oregon and Clark County, Wash.

Mid-Valley Curbside Food Drive Now Underway

It's a disturbing irony that, in the agriculturally rich Willamette Valley, the fastest-growing harvest is hunger.

(SALEM) - During the recycle weeks in October, Mid-Valley Garbage/Recycle Haulers will be collecting non-perishable food donations at residential curbs for the 10th year in a row.

Garbage haulers will distribute food drive bags along with 2007 recycle week calendars. Residents are urged to fill the bag with non-perishable food items, tie the bag shut, and place it curbside on their regularly scheduled recycle day in October only.

Governor launches Hunger Awareness Week 2006

Receives new report that outlines next steps in the fight against hunger.

(SALEM) - Kicking off Hunger Awareness Week 2006, Governor Ted Kulongoski today honored some of Oregon`s `hunger heroes` at the Oregon Food Bank 2006 Luncheon of Champions at Northwest Natural Gas headquarters in Portland.

Celebrating Oregon`s successes in the fight against hunger, Governor Kulongoski also announced that he has received the 2006 Action Summary from the Oregon Hunger Relief Taskforce. This new report updates the `Act to End Hunger,` Oregon`s five-year strategic plan released during Hunger Awareness Week in 2004.

`Together, we have made progress in Oregon`s fight against hunger. Fewer people go to bed hungry every night in Oregon than three years ago,` Governor Kulongoski said. `But our work is not done..."