Policy Updates
Transforming systems: Oregon Food Bank’s agenda for real change
Transforming systems: Oregon Food Bank’s agenda for real change
A significant root cause of hunger is poverty. Poverty, itself, is driven by systems of oppression — racism, sexism, classism and more.
This means we cannot solve hunger with food alone. And solving hunger through policy and systems change means uplifting the leadership of communities who are most impacted by hunger — those who are BIPOC, immigrants and refugees, trans and gender expansive, and single moms and caregivers.
Solutions to hunger and its root causes start with people — people who are most impacted by racial, gender and economic injustices. Those most impacted by hunger are best equipped to define the problems of hunger and its solutions.
That’s why the Policy Leadership Council — a statewide governing body led by over a dozen individuals impacted by hunger and its root causes — shapes the vision for Oregon Food Bank’s policy and advocacy work. Representing urban, rural and small-town communities, the Council brings local leadership and lived experience to ending hunger at its root.
Crafted by the Policy Leadership Council, this Systems Change Platform reflects our vision of communities that never go hungry. It outlines our vision, solutions and current action to make food justice a reality. Our platform will continue to deepen and expand as the Policy Leadership Council does its work.
Systems Change Platform
Housing for all
Our vision: All people and families live in communities and homes that create the conditions for well-being, sustainability and stability.
Solutions
Publicly owned and funded housing is accessible to all.
Housing costs are kept affordable for people earning average wages.
Housing programs (like Section 8 vouchers) are widely available to all, as they support stabilization, reduce houselessness and promote self-determination.
Zoning and building policies support housing options for all types of families, not only single-family homes.
Affordable housing is available in planned communities with access to work, transportation, services and recreation.
Oregon Food Bank action
In the 2024 legislative session, Oregon Food Bank lobbied for investments in shelter assistance, rental aid and other vital housing services resulting in $375 million allocated to these essential programs.
Healthy environment/healthy people
Our vision: All people are supported by food systems and infrastructure built on clean, sustainable and health-promoting practices.
Solutions
Land Back movements and aligned actions are funded and supported to restore Indigenous sovereignty to steward and protect land.
Regional food systems are community-centered, prioritizing sustainable, organic, and/or culturally specific agriculture practices and production.
Public transit systems are sustainable and affordable.
Corporations are held accountable for lowering environmental footprints and repairing environmental harm.
Institutions, foundations and individuals divest from fossil fuels and major polluting industries, with a Just Transition for workers to renewable green jobs.
Oregon Food Bank action
In the 2023 legislative session, Oregon Food Bank helped create Community Resilience Hubs — trusted spaces designed by and for local communities. These hubs provide care and support before, during and after major natural disasters.
Economic and worker justice
Our vision: All people can thrive, not just survive. We are valued as people and not just for our labor. We have enough money to live, play and rest – no one is forced to choose between food and other necessities.
Solutions
Everyone has the right to organize for safety, pay and worker protections.
Quality of life is improved through living wages, benefits and guaranteed paid leave.
Wealthy individuals and corporations pay their fair share to provide resources for all.
Workplace protections are in place, based on identity, citizenship and ability.
People are paid wages for invisible, unpaid, unrecognized, undervalued and marginalized essential work.
Oregon Food Bank action
In the 2023 legislative session, Oregon Food Bank:
Participated in the success of a law ensuring Oregonians can reasonably refuse to do work that can cause injury, serious impairment or death — such as faulty equipment or natural disasters.
Helped win legislation that supports an equitable childcare workforce.
Community safety and transformative justice
Our vision: All communities are free from harm and violence — including state violence. Our systems are just and equitable. We can safely access healthcare, quality education, and culturally relevant supports for our physical and mental well-being.
Solutions:
Public infrastructure supports safe housing, streets, schools, parks and other spaces free from violence.
Free, culturally appropriate healthcare, including non-Western medicine, is available to people with substance use disorders.
Community-based, non-violent systems replace criminalization and mass incarceration.
The ability to challenge and hold government agencies and officials accountable for causing harm.
Youth have access to educational mentorship.
Oregon Food Bank action
In the 2024 legislative session, Oregon Food Bank opposed criminalizing drug possession and supported investments in community-based treatment and recovery programs.
Indigenous liberation and Tribal sovereignty
Our vision: The sovereignty of Tribal Nations is recognized and upheld. Native and Indigenous communities have what they need to thrive, uphold their cultural legacies and shape their future.
Solutions
Land Back initiatives are supported and investments are made in land purchase.
Education programs that value Indigenous knowledge include sustainable food growing practices and trade skills.
Indigenous leaders are represented in local, state and federal decision-making bodies and policy discussions.
Indigenous-led programs that revitalize traditional practices.
Indigenous peoples are provided financial compensation and other support to repair past harm, stop present harm and prevent future harm.
Oregon Food Bank action
Between 2021-2024, Oregon Food Bank’s Community Producer Support program has channeled nearly $5 million to 155 small-scale agricultural producers — 95% of whom are Black, Indigenous and other people of color— across 19 Oregon counties.
Immigrant justice
Our vision: All immigrants, migrants, refugees, and noncitizens have the resources they need to thrive and choose where they call home.
Solutions:
All local, state and federal programs and financial opportunities are accessible to all who qualify, regardless of immigration status.
Immigrants’ education credentials and experience before coming to the U.S. are recognized.
Policies make it easier for people to achieve the immigration status of their choice.
As a sanctuary state, Oregon strengthens sanctuary protections and ensures access to legal representations.
Criminalization and deportation practices end.
Oregon Food Bank action:
Oregon Food Bank is actively leading Food for All Oregonians, a campaign to ensure that all Oregonians have access to SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) regardless of where they were born or their immigration status.
