Governor Announces Hunger, Health and Nutrition Initiative

More than 440,000 Oregonians – the majority of them children - receive food aid through the Food Stamp Program each month.

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski Photo: Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has announced a new initiative to improve the health of Oregonians through improved nutrition.

The Governor’s Hunger, Health and Nutrition Initiative will be funded by $1.7 million in bonus funds awarded by the federal Food and Nutrition service in recognition of Oregon ’s outstanding work in providing food stamps to needy Oregonians. “My experience in April living on an average food stamp budget of $3 a day gave me a greater appreciation for the challenge thousands of Oregonians face every day when trying to make ends meet,” said Governor Kulongoski. “This targeted initiative will increase the ability of hungry Oregonians to improve their health and, consequently, their ability to be productive members of our communities.” In September, Oregon received a $1.7 million “bonus” award from the federal Food and Nutrition Service of the Department of Agriculture for being one of the nation’s top five states in providing food stamps to the highest percentage of people who are eligible for food aid.

The Governor’s Hunger, Health and Nutrition Initiative will use those bonus funds to further improve Oregon’s food stamp program, focusing on access to nutritious foods and on helping to enroll more seniors and rural Oregonians who are eligible for, but not receiving, food assistance.

The initiative will also take advantage of matching federal funds, creating a potential $2.94 million total investment. “We have made great strides, but our fight against hunger is not won. Now we must take the battle to the next step and make sure all Oregonians have access to adequate and nutritious food,” said Governor Kulongoski. Highlights of the Governor’s Hunger, Health and Nutrition Initiative include: 1. Development of a pilot project targeted to improving food stamp client access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Expanded nutrition education efforts for low-income families focused on purchasing and preparing low-cost, nutritious meals.

3. Investments in equipment to improve the Oregon Food Bank’s ability to store and distribute donated produce and other perishable foods.

4. Development of educational tools for Oregon medical professionals to strengthen their focus on the health consequences of hunger and food insecurity.

5. Support for Oregon farmers markets, including the purchase of debit/credit card equipment to enable food stamp recipients to buy fresh produce at farmers markets and a pilot project that will provide transportation supports for Oregon seniors to better access local farmers markets and farm stands.

6. Enhanced food stamp outreach efforts to rural communities and to seniors, in partnership with the Oregon Hunger Relief Task Force and Oregon AARP. More than 440,000 Oregonians – the majority of them children - receive food aid through the Food Stamp Program each month.

Households with incomes below 185 percent of the federal poverty level ($3,084 a month for a family of four) may qualify for benefits, which are based on household income, size and expenses.

Food Stamp benefits are 100 percent federally funded and generate approximately $855 million of economic activity each year in Oregon.