While speaking at the 2015 Closing the Hunger Gap Conference in Portland today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Senior Advisor Max Finberg announced funding to help feed the hungry on the southern Oregon coast. USDA grants to Oregon Coast Community Action (ORCCA) and Florence Food Share will help the nonprofit organizations protect perishable food supplies and ensure reliable, uninterrupted emergency food services in rural areas.
“These grants are an investment in the local framework supporting a safe, sufficient, and nutritious food supply for every family, which is at the core of USDA’s mission,” Finberg said. “At the same time, we recognize that feeding the hungry, by itself, is not enough. We are committed to fighting poverty across America and helping communities develop lasting solutions. We are using the entire suite of USDA programs to support locally-led community economic development efforts that build thriving rural economies and create good-paying jobs.”
This funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program, and is contingent upon the recipients meeting the terms of their grant agreements.
ORCCA operates the South Coast Food Share, a regional distributor for the Oregon Food Bank serving Coos and Curry counties, as well as parts of Douglas County. Under today’s announcement, ORCCA is receiving a $41,053 grant to purchase a refrigerated food truck to enable the nonprofit to distribute perishable foods to their partner food banks and meal sites. The new vehicle will ensure reliable delivery to ORCCA’s partners and uninterrupted emergency food services to rural communities.
Florence Food Share, an emergency food box pantry, distributes approximately 50,000 pounds of food each month, serving a 270-mile area in western Lane County. Under today’s announcement, the nonprofit is receiving a $12,200 grant from USDA for the purchase of a generator to provide electricity during power outages. Currently, the pantry does not have a backup system for their refrigerators and freezers, threatening perishable food supplies when power is lost for an extended period of time. The new generator will maintain power and safe food storage in the event of an emergency.
USDA is a sponsor of the 2015 Closing the Hunger Gap Conference, which brings together food banks and ally organizations such as school districts, health organizations, advocacy groups, academics, and businesses to improve food security while also empowering low-income communities and residents to create prosperity.
President Obama's historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses, and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way—strengthening America's economy, small towns, and rural communities.