Salem-News.com Food articles

Oregon Hunger Rate Surges; Food Stamps Fill Need

Statement by OCPP analyst Joy Margheim on food insecurity data.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Data released today showing a surge in Oregon's hunger rate remind us of the importance of the expansion of food stamp benefits in the federal recovery package.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that more than one in eight Oregon households (13.1 percent) struggled to put food on the table at times during 2006-08.

Obama: Reenact the Afghan Children`s Fund

Come on President Obama, please do this for Afghan kids

(SALEM, Ore.) - When then President George W. Bush enacted the Afghan Children's Fund, most Americans were still trying to get their minds around what was actually going on there.

The fund was a good idea, but Bush apparently decided that the kids of Afghanistan had received enough help, and the program was abandoned by the White House on April 1, 2005. We need it to revive it.

Farmers Arrested for Planting Industrial Hemp at DEA Headquarters

The group plants hemp seed on the DEA's Lawn with ceremonial shovels.

(WASHINGTON D.C. ) - Groups organizing in Washington D.C. today say the DEA's continued blockade of state industrial hemp programs Violates common sense as well as Obama's Presidential Directive to federal agencies to respect states' rights.

Even though the U.S. is the largest market for hemp products in the world, and industrial hemp is farmed worldwide, not a single American farmer has the right to grow the versatile crop.

Community Encouraged To Attend Local Hunger Discussion

The bottom line is that local food banks need the community’s help if we are to answer the sharp increase in need.

(KEIZER, Ore.) - Local hunger is at all-time record levels. Join Keizer Community Food Bank and Marion-Polk Food Share in a very important discussion on how hunger is effecting families in the Keizer community.

This special community meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 29th, 2009, at Keizer Community Center, 930 Chemawa Rd NE.

Potential Fruit Fly Invasion Serious Threat for Oregon Fruit

Officials say the insects could shut down all of Oregon's fresh fruit sales.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The spotted wing Drosophila, which some have dubbed the “Dragon Fruit Fly”, has invaded Oregon from California and has already been confirmed in several Oregon fruit crops. Terry Witt with Oregonians for Food & Shelter, says the crops likely to be invaded include blueberries, caneberries and grapes.

Stuart Olson, a local peach, apple and cherry grower, believes this could literally shut down fresh fruit sales from Oregon. "Unlike the vinegar fruit fly that takes to rotted fruit, this critter infects ripening fruit and is visible in the fruit as a small maggot."

Oregon Food Bank Stretches to Meet `Staggering` Demand (AUDIO)

About one-third of emergency food box recipients are either retired or looking for work.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Food is heading out the doors of Oregon Food Bank network locations almost as fast as it's coming in. There's been a 13 percent increase in the number of emergency food boxes distributed for the fiscal year that ended in June. The boxes contain enough to feed a family for several days.

There has been a 13 percent increase in the number of emergency food boxes distributed for the fiscal year that ended in June. The boxes contain enough to feed a family for several days.

Agriculture Appropriations Bill Passed by Senate Includes Funding for Oregon Projects

Wyden/Merkley-Requested Funding for Agriculture Research Contained in Bill.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Working to improve agricultural research capabilities in Oregon, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D- Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D- Ore.) announced that an agriculture appropriations bill passed by the U.S. Senate contains more than nearly $7 million in projects for Oregon.

Included in the bill is funding for research into improving Oregon’s crops, utilizing Oregon’s forest resources, and controlling invasive species.

Governor`s Office Proclaims Oregon Farmers` Market Week (VIDEO)

Governor Ted Kulongoski has declared August 2nd through 9th to be Oregon Farmers' Market Week.

(SALEM, Ore.) - There are currently over a 100 farmers' markets operating in Oregon with 90 of these markets as members of the Oregon Farmers' Markets Association (OFMA).

The number of markets in Oregon has more than doubled over the past 10 years through the support and resources of OFMA.

Afghan Women Learn Entrepreneurship in Panjshir Valley

For many women at Panjshir's food processing center in Bazarak District, this is their first opportunity to work. As they learn to process the produce into profitable jars of preserves and bottles of juice, their livelihood and social importance in Afghan society is expanding.

(BAGRAM FIELD Afghanistan) - The fruit and vegetable bounty of Afghanistan's Panjshir province may make its way to grocery stores around the world someday, thanks to a PRT program.

A food-processing program recently introduced into the Panjshir Valley is bringing economic prosperity, education, leadership and hope to the area's women.

Salem Oregon Farmers Markets Are In Full Swing (VIDEO)

Mark your calendars for Wednesdays and Saturdays, eat healthy local food and enjoy Oregon's capitol city.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Salem, Oregon's Farmers Markets are in full swing, providing business opportunities for local agriculturists and great shopping for local residents and visitors. The event's Day Market Coordinator Tina Miller says there are many reasons the events are doing so well.

The market runs from April through October. the Saturday market runs from 9 to 3 every Saturday, and our Wednesday market runs from 10 to 2, and that's located between Liberty and High Streets.