Food Insecurities and How to Obtain Food Equity

 

Food Equity and Sustainability

In today's economy, we continue to strive for equitable and sustainable food sources for all walks of life. In a perfect world, we would like to strive to obtain an environment where everyone has access to an equitable food system that entails individuals within the community buying, selling, trading, bartering, producing, and disposing of food sources. We would want every individual to not only be able to provide and do all of these acts but also understand the significant meaning behind food like the quality and culture. 

Sustainability coincides with equitability. In this economy, billions of people struggle to provide food let alone sustainable food. Sustainable food systems are extremely vital to creating food security. This entails forestry, agriculture, and agroecology. Our modern world advances by the month in new technology and ways of living have also diminished the quality of the lands we use to produce food. Land is being used for building new structures and farmlands are being bought out by big corporations which in return creates less food production. 

bostonorganics.com

To create a more sustainable food system every individual needs to be involved. There are acts like recycling and reducing food waste that can help create this type of food system. But, more importantly, fundamental changes need to take place for this food system to really come to life. Everybody plays an important role in creating this food system. We need to change how food is produced, how and where it is distributed, and how it is distributed and eaten. We also need massive changes to infrastructures to help create a more diverse structure to go with the land instead of working against it. 

Food Insecurities In Portland, Oregon

https://www.oregonfoodbank.org

In Portland, Oregon food insecurities skyrocketed a few months after the Covid-19 pandemic hit. When we follow the statistical trend we see that the Covid-19 direct deposit cash payments/support for the government helped with this insecurity and need. But, once those payments stopped we see an increase in food insecurities rise again. Oregon is in the top 5 states to struggle with food insecurities and at a rapid rate that is increasing drastically. Food insecurities typically occur in communities and individuals who are single parents as well as individuals who rent the residence they reside at. With the rising inflation rate, everything is becoming more expensive, particularly food and housing costs. This only increases the number of individuals who are in need. The Oregon Food Bank is a major resource and tool that helps those in need. Their motto is, "No One Should Go Hungry." The Oregon Food Bank has a plethora of resources where individuals/groups can donate money or food to help those who experience food insecurities. They possess food industry partners as well as grocery partners and individual/business partners who donate regularly. They have a map on their website with a search engine by location for the viewers to locate where they can receive free food. The food that is given to the communities is healthy and nutritious options. 

https://www.oregonfoodbank.org

If you are in need or you know somebody who is or you would like to get involved and donate here is the link to The Oregon Food Bank.

The PSU Landing at FUMC: A Safe Haven for College Students in Need

In the coming weeks, we will be discussing several notable support organizations and their efforts to assist the local community. To start, let's introduce the PSU Landing at FUMC. This group is a collaborative effort between Portland State University, First United Methodist Church, and local volunteers, all aiming to provide a safe and supportive community for PSU students in the midst of homelessness or transitional periods in their lives. They offer all the needs of a homeless shelter from their own local community resources. The church gymnasium is offered as a safe place to sleep, and food is provided through local food pantries as well as selections from PSU Eats. They've even begun construction on a study area for those in the midst of their classes, with free internet and computer access provided by local donors.

PSU Landing also emphasizes their general inclusiveness at every turn; anyone is welcomed to apply for this program regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion. For those of religious faith, they offer a worship service every Sunday, accessible remotely via their website's livestream tab or the FUMC Youtube channel. The PSU Landing at FUMC extends its reach to anyone in need. With their extensive shelter resources, their general inclusivity, and a supportive pool of local donors, they are no doubt a crucial cornerstone of Portland's community. If you wish to learn more or apply for their program, you can access their website via the links below. 

Official Website

FUMC Youtube Channel

Corona-virus outbreak puts local shelters in a difficult position

People experiencing homelessness are in an essential state of crisis at all times. Many of us would agree that shelter is essential to have a continuously sustainable and stable life. So what is someone without a home to do when the society they’re a part of is facing a pandemic that requires all citizens to severely limit their outdoor time and contact with other people? COVID-19 has been difficult to face and requires everyone to change their daily routines in order to subdue the spread of the virus. Things such as staying mostly isolated, washing your hands frequently and staying home when you feel sick are essential. All of these things can be a challenge for someone experiencing homelessness. In addition, most of the shelters in the area are fairly tightly packed with beds, not allowing for the recommended 6 feet of distance between people. Therefore, the houseless population is at high risk during these times. Especially considering many have underlying health issues. So what is there to be done?

Unfortunately one of the easiest solutions for shelters has been to offer beds to fewer people in order to meet the requirements of proper spacing between individuals. Shelters are given motel vouchers but are restricted to use them only in severe cases. In order to make a real impact in slowing the spread of the virus in a community as vulnerable as this would be for the local government to expand funding on these motel vouchers and loosen the requirements for when they are allowed to be used. Things such as this will only become more necessary in the coming weeks. 

The National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together a document of things required for the houseless population to adequately respond to the onset of COVID-19. Policymakers are currently working on a spending package that addresses how public health will be affected by the virus. In order for this spending package to be beneficial to homeless populations, NLIHC recommends these things such as protections against evictions and relocations, medical respite care, and expanded outreach medicine. More information on NLIHC recommendations pertaining to the virus can be found here: https://nlihc.org/responding-coronavirus

Relating this to my last post (February 24th, 2020) about homeless youth in Beaverton, school being canceled due to the virus has created an especially difficult situation for this community, as well as low-income families. Many students rely on breakfast and lunch provided daily by the school. Fortunately, the district is providing a meal pickup service at many of their schools during the times when class was supposed to be in session. Remote learning isn’t as easily remedied, however. Many of the remote learning opportunities provided for students assume that students have access to the internet at home. This is an issue that has no simple fix as many community resources are closed through the end of the month. 

For more information related to the topics I discussed, check out the sources I’ve referenced here:

https://www.opb.org/news/article/covid-19-coronavirus-multnomah-county-oregon-homeless-shelters/

https://www.opb.org/news/article/portland-coronavirus-homelessness-covid-19-prevention-shelters/

https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/public-safety/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus

Written by Brody Jones

Supporting Homeless Youth

Much of the homeless community is, surprisingly, young teenagers and kids. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 700,000 unaccompanied minors remain homeless. As a result of this, education is generally not at the forefront of these kids minds, as finding shelter and food & water is necessary for their fight to live. 

The youth face many difficulties caused by various factors that leave them on the streets. They are often left with little guidance or opportunities to help them recover from things like addiction, abuse, poverty, mental-health issues, and more. I strongly believe It’s important for the youth to be encouraged and supported, not only within education but for their future goals. According to the U.S. Department of Education, homeless youth have legal educational rights (Every Student Succeeds Act) for the protection of support and safety to build them a better future. Many of these children and teens, unfortunately, are acting in this alone. Certain circumstances may have gotten them where they are today but they are need of physical and emotional support to help them in their journey. Making the youth feel safe, appreciated, and supported can start a chain reaction for those around them. Keeping them off the streets and free from the dangers they may face is important.

As a country with many tools and resources, it is important to open our eyes to those struggling right down the street from us or those we pass on our way to work. Education is a helpful way to encourage children and teens to feel they have a future to succeed and to protect their rights regardless of the trouble that may follow them. 

There are so many online tools that can help support homeless youth and more. This link provides helpful information of contacts and programs that can truly help the homeless youth feel backed and hopeful: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/619

Resources:

https://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/homeless-and-runaway-youth.aspx

https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/education-department-releases-guidance-homeless-children-and-youth

Written by: Brianna Clifford

Supporting the Large Population of Houseless Youth in Beaverton

Beaverton School District has the largest population of houseless minors in the state of Oregon. According to the district, in 2018 they had 1,799 students enrolled in school with no permanent home. This includes any student who doesn't have a permanent residence, and ranges from couch surfing to not having anywhere to sleep but outside. 361 of those students were considered “unaccompanied youth” with no parent or guardian. The McKinney-Vento Act’s Education of Homeless Children and Youth Program ensures that any student in Oregon is provided with appropriate public education regardless of their residential status. The McKinney-Vento Act requires at least one liaison per district to help families in need. The Beaverton School District has three liaisons that already hold other positions within the district.

HomePlate is a nonprofit organization that operates in Beaverton for people between the ages of 12 and 24 that find themselves unable to secure housing. They operate Monday through Thursday and provide essentials such as food, clothing, showers, and laundry. In addition, they provide resources such as housing assistance, employment connections and have information for other social services. According to their website “HomePlate is Washington County's only non-profit provider of drop-in centers and street outreach for young people experiencing homelessness.” Volunteer work and donations are an essential part of what makes the organization work.

HomePlate is an invaluable resource to Beaverton and Washington County at large. Unfortunately, the Portland metro area (Beaverton included) is lacking the resources necessary to support the large population of underage individuals facing homelessness. For all of Washington County, there is only one shelter in Hillsboro that provides an overnight place to stay for minors. This makes the necessity of HomePlate receiving and redistributing donated items such as clothing and blankets all the more necessary. Donating to HomePlate (homeplateyouth.org/donate) is really easy. Their website has details on all of the ways to help out and lists current monthly needs. Their website states that nearly 25% of their income is non-cash, and is essential to the function of their organization. 

By Brody Jones

FOX 12 Staff, “Beaverton School District sees the highest number of homeless teens.” FOX 12 Beaverton, 18 Feb. 2018. https://www.kptv.com/news/beaverton-school-district-sees-the-highest-number-of-homeless-teens/article_d85c69d7-f2ae-5960-a4e3-4e37c043f276.html

“McKinney-Vento Act: Homeless Education Program.” Oregon Department of Education : McKinney-Vento Act: Homeless Education Program : McKinney-Vento Act : State of Oregon, www.oregon.gov/ode/schools-and-districts/grants/ESEA/McKinney-Vento/Pages/default.aspx?fbclid=IwAR09Fj2ciuwB9x7ky11pdpFnbtVoJGcZBLDROxNKchb_21aFJC44EDzMgOU.

Vespa, Maggie and Jared Cowley, “Beaverton bans homeless camping on city streets.” KGW8, 13 June 2018. https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless/beaverton-bans-homeless-camping-on-city-streets/283-564092315

Have you ever needed a helping hand or free resources? Well look no further, Rooster is a community that shares free resources. The Portland Rooster was started by a group of friends who set out to change the world and to help with an act of kindness. It’s a place where you can get help from others in your neighborhood. Whether you need help, borrow something, share, or just get together with others, you will be able to look for free resources here, or help from others it’s all free. 

With Rooster there is a pay it forward mentality where instead of transaction of currency, individuals are exchanging in things such as skills. Through the program, people are encouraged to help one another and in return get a simple sign of gratitude from the receiver with a simple thing such as a “thank you”. It’s all about the act of kindness to put a smile on someone’s face. 

link: portland.therooster.co

All you have to do is sign up and then make your post if you seek anything, be it help or just looking for free things! Or you can look at other people's requests and see if you can help out in anyway!