FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2022
Contact: Ashley Mumm, 971-517-6208, amumm@oregonfoodbank.org

Oregon Food Bank Statement on Strong Revenue Forecast

CEO Susannah Morgan: We have the resources; it’s time for action to end hunger together.

PORTLAND, OR — As Oregon communities continue to face significant challenges in the wake of the latest COVID-19 variant, Oregon Food Bank CEO Susannah Morgan today issued the following statement on the state’s February revenue forecast:

“More than a million Oregonians sought emergency food assistance over the past year, and our communities have rallied in incredible ways to support each other. Governor Brown and our legislative partners came through with food and housing assistance, eviction protections and more. This combined government and community response worked. We were able to meet this crisis head-on and fewer people struggled to afford food.

“We have also learned exactly what it takes to rein in hunger in a national crisis: direct support for families and communities. And the strong revenue forecast presents a clear opportunity to drive down rates of hunger and advance the policies and investments our communities need to thrive. Essential workers who make sure food reaches our tables need overtime protection and direct support through the Worker Relief Fund. People facing hunger need investments in our emergency food assistance network. Families across the state from all races and birthplaces need policies that keep us in our homes and ensure we can all feel safe in our neighborhoods.

“Our communities continue to do their part — and our elected leaders now know we have the resources needed to accomplish all this and more. It’s time for action to ensure we can all emerge stronger and end hunger together.”

Learn more about the policy changes and investments we need to emerge stronger from this crisis and end hunger for good at oregonfoodbank.org/advocate.

- ### -

ABOUT OREGON FOOD BANK
At Oregon Food Bank, we believe that food and health are basic human rights for all. We know that hunger is not just an individual experience; it is also a community-wide symptom of barriers to employment, education, housing and health care. That’s why we work systemically in our mission to end hunger in Oregon: we build community connections to help people access nutritious, affordable food today, and we build community power to eliminate the root causes of hunger for good. Join us online at oregonfoodbank.org and @oregonfoodbank on social media.