Hunger is a serious public health concern with long-term consequences, especially for children.
Food insecurity affects women and children disproportionately in our community, and contributes to adverse health conditions. Fetal malnutrition can result in compromised health and development throughout the child’s life. Growing children that do not get enough food are particularly prone to health problems. Coupled with lack of access to appropriate medical and dental care, childhood hunger leaves a lasting legacy for these kids. Children that do not have enough to eat often have more trouble in school, including problems concentrating, lower achievement records, and slowed cognitive development and growth.
Seniors are also particularly at risk for malnutrition and food scarcity. A lack of mobility and meager finances contributes to their food insecurity, and as a result undernourished seniors are more prone to health complications and falls.
We are partnering with the nonprofit organization Oregon Food Bank (OFB) in an effort to combat the problem of hunger in our community. I am reaching out to you today to ask that you consider making a donation to the Oregon Food Bank—a small donation of $10 helps provide enough food to fill an emergency food box that supplies a three-to-five day supply of food for a family in need.
- OFB is a nonprofit, charitable organization with a four-star rating from CharityNavigator.org
- 52% of households receiving emergency food are families with children
- 33% of the food OFB provides feeds children under the age of 17
- Food collected during our food drive remains in the community
- Almost 95% of every dollar donated to OFB goes directly to fighting hunger in our communities
- 100% of every donation we collect goes directly to OFB
Hunger is a public health crisis that can be prevented. Consider making a donation to Oregon Food Bank today if you are able, or contact them for emergency food assistance if you need it.
Update 9/30/11: Oregon Food Bank has distributed over one million emergency food boxes in the last year, as more than 500 thousand Oregonians fall below the poverty line. See the full article in the Portland Tribune here.
