Hunger is an income issue

Many Central Oregonians are experiencing income issues that are affecting their ability to meet the basic living needs of heating their homes, paying their mortgage and having enough to eat.

Who does the Food Bank serve?

NeighborImpact's Food Bank serves the residents of Deschutes, Jefferson or Crook Counties. In the 2009 calendar year over 14,000 people each month accessed Food Bank services through the local agencies that NeighborImpact's Food Bank provides with food resources.

Why are people hungry?

People living in this region are facing economic hardships. Central Oregon has an average unemployment rate that is higher than the state average, as well as high costs of living and weakening industries. Unemployment rates have risen consistently in all three counties in the past months.

• 42% of all renters in Deschutes County are unable to afford a 2 bedroom apartment at HUD area fair market rents. In Crook County 38% of renter households and in Jefferson County 36% of renter households are unable to afford 2 bedroom units (Natonal Low Income Housing Coalition).

• In a recent survey conducted by the Oregon Food Bank at food patnries througout the State of Oregon, the three top reasons people indicated for needing help with food resources were:
1. Rising food costs
2. HIgh fuel costs
3. Housing costs

• 70 = the number of hours a worker earning Oregon's minimum wate had to work each week in 2008 to afford a two bedroom appartment (Housing Alliance).

How you can help your neighbors in need

• Donate foods and funds

• Organize a food drive

• Volunteer

Learn about:

• How to run a food/fund drive

• Donating to NeighboImpact's Food Bank

• NeighborImpact's Food Bank immediate and ongoing needs

• Read more in NeighborImpact's e-Newsletter NeighborNews