In Lane County, 44% of households do not earn enough to cover their basic needs. This is according to Lane County’s 2016 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report. More than a third (37%) of Lane County residents qualify for an emergency food box (Census 2016). Food assistance provides relief large and small to families… Read more »
Every county in all 50 states is home to people who struggle with hunger. Children are more likely to experience hunger than adults. Rural counties account for 78 percent of the highest food insecurity rates. One study found SNAP benefits aren’t enough to cover the cost of a meal in most places in the U.S…. Read more »
When Mike Fleck started his tenure as Community Sharing’s Executive Director a little over seven years ago, the food pantry was distributing an average of 450 to 500 boxes a month packed with stables like bread and other boxed foods. Four years later, distribution soared to 700 boxes, sometimes reaching as high as 900. It… Read more »
JUNCTION CITY — The seeds of a partnership planted three years ago between Food for Lane County and the state psychiatric hospital in Junction City have blossomed into a bumper crop of fresh apples for families in need. On Wednesday, about 20 hospital patients, staff and volunteers picked the first apples from the more than… Read more »
In towns such as Junction City, rising housing costs push families to pantries to fill monthly budget gaps Walking through the immaculate, well-organized aisles of Junction City Local Aid’s food pantry, Jeanie Burr chatted happily with volunteer Peggy Saltz about produce. “OK, so I got a cauliflower,” Burr said, clutching three bags. “Look at the… Read more »
For volunteer pantry manager Cheri Harrison, the opportunity to serve is an honor and a privilege. “I’ve been a member of Eugene Faith Center for over 36 years,” said Cheri. “During those years I’ve had a lot of roles and done all kinds of volunteer work. About three years ago I was asked to manage the… Read more »
Rural communities in Lane County face real challenges when it comes to accessing food. Many small towns are considered food deserts. They provide residents little or no choice of grocery stores, farmers’ markets and healthy food providers. Transportation to and from Eugene or Springfield – for employment or groceries – may not be available or may… Read more »
Colette was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she was 13, but because her disability wasn’t easy to see her family did not seek treatment for her. As an adult her untreated mental health issues made everything harder — to get and keep a job and to be a mom to her two children. At 39… Read more »
Rural food pantries may be located in small towns, but most serve much larger areas. Dexter Food Pantry is one of 20 rural pantries that partner with FOOD for Lane County to distribute food. The pantry serves people living in Dexter, but also in Pleasant Hill, Jasper and Fall Creek. The pantry is only… Read more »
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