Hunger and humanity: Why achieving economic security for all helps end hunger
Hunger and humanity: Why achieving economic security for all helps end hunger
If you’ve been feeling like it’s harder to get by financially, you’re not alone. Across our state, Oregonians are working hard to support our families and communities. Yet many of us are worried about our financial futures, struggling to make ends meet.
At Oregon Food Bank, we know that hunger is more than a lack of food. It’s a symptom of deeper issues that affect us all. One of the most significant of these is economic insecurity. Whether or not we’ve faced hunger directly, many of us have felt the squeeze of financial uncertainty. From rising costs at the grocery store to skyrocketing housing costs, we’re all doing our best to get by. For many of us this means choosing between putting food on the table or a roof over our heads.
Economic insecurity in Oregon
Ensuring families have the economic resources to thrive is part of food justice. When people don’t have the financial stability they need, putting food on the table can be hard. But just as hunger is not about individual failings, neither is financial insecurity.
As Oregon Food Bank President Susannah Morgan notes, “Oregon and the United States are still amidst a once-in-a-century hunger crisis. It was sparked by the pandemic and high inflation didn’t help, but the fuel for this fire is wealth inequality. For forty years, we have accepted policies that concentrate wealth in the hands of a very few, shrunk the middle class, and increased the number of us who are just barely getting by.”
This inequity leaves many of us at risk of financial shocks. Research by the Federal Reserve has found that 40 percent of people in the United States cannot come up with $400 in cash — to fix a car or a hot water heater or a medical co-payment. This means that 40 percent of us are just getting by.
"I think the question here for any of us, regardless of one's political or religious beliefs, is… Why should a family have to rely on miracles to feed themselves — especially in a nation with this kind of wealth?” — C. Nathan Harris, Oregon Food Bank Director of Community Philanthropy
From our community
Community members across Oregon are sharing their experiences and shedding light on the connection between hunger, financial insecurity and systemic injustice. Claire Metcalfe, Multimedia Producer at Oregon Food Bank captures this connection: "I used to think hunger was just about not having enough food. But I've come to realize that we actually have plenty of food to feed everyone. The real issue is that our systems make it unaffordable and inaccessible for so many. That's why I'm now committed to advocating for economic justice and equity — because when we change these systems, we can truly end hunger and ensure that everyone has what they need to thrive."
The undervaluation of essential labor, such as farm work, also contributes to this crisis. Gonzalo Garcia-Reyes of Lomita Farm, speaks to this reality: "I don't think that doing farm labor is bad or inherently bad. What is bad is that we don't value the labor that goes into farming and growing the food that goes to people's tables. It’s important to me, as a farmer, to work towards creating a future in agriculture that is more humane. That recognizes the value of people's labor and pays people for their labor.” Ensuring that workers are fairly compensated for their labor is a fundamental aspect of ensuring economic security for Oregonians.
"I used to think that hunger was just about access to food. But now I see that it’s all connected — that when we pursue economic justice, we’re also working to end hunger. We need policies that give everyone a fair shot, so no one has to worry about where their next meal is coming from." — Beatriz Barriga, Oregon Food Bank Bilingual Communications Operations and Project Manager
Creating a community where we all thrive
The resources to achieve this vision of a better economic future and a more inclusive Oregon already exist — because of our communities’ hard work. These include policies about healthcare, housing, wages, policy accountability, immigration and more. And we must focus on policies that impact those of us who face disproportionately high rates of hunger — immigrants and refugees, trans and gender expansive communities, single mothers and caregivers, and BIPOC folks.
In 2023, we celebrated significant economic justice policy wins — victories achieved through the power of community organizing and collective action. Across the state, everyday Oregonians, grassroots leaders and advocacy groups came together to demand change from our elected officials, pushing forward policies that reflect the needs and values of our communities.
Oregon Kids’ Credit (HB 3235): This law, championed by families and advocates, provides a refundable credit of $1,000 per child annually to Oregon families who are struggling the most, and includes those who might be excluded from other benefits due to their immigration status, ensuring their children are not left behind. This milestone policy will support the well-being of over 55,000 children across Oregon.
Right to Refuse Dangerous Work (SB 907): This legislation guarantees workers the right to refuse tasks that pose a significant risk of injury or death, such as those involving faulty equipment or hazardous conditions. Essential workers, many of whom are integral to our food systems, played a key role in advocating for this legislation. Through our collective effort, gaps in workplace safety regulations were addressed, protecting workers from undue harm.
Together, we can change the policies that sustain wealth inequality. These legislative wins mark crucial steps, but there’s still more work to do. Many Oregonians continue to struggle, and we remain committed to pushing for systemic changes that ensure economic security for all.
"Hunger is immensely solvable if we demand it. If we make sure our elected leaders know that it's a priority. We don't have to live in a world where there's hunger. We don't have to live in a world where there's homelessness. We don't have to live in a world where our kids aren't in safe places when we go to work. We can build these things if we demand them." — Matt Newell-Ching, Oregon Food Bank Senior Policy Manager
Join us in this movement. Sign up for action alerts to stay informed and help drive the policies needed to end hunger and poverty.
Learn more:
Feeding Justice: Why Food Justice is at the Heart of Our Mission
Hunger and Humanity: Why Voting and Political Education are So Important
Resources:
Oregon Department of Human Services: Apply for services such as SNAP (formerly known as food stamps), help paying for childcare, discounted energy bills and more.
