A Sobering Look at Hunger in Linn and Benton Counties – Part 1 (May 2004)

Written by Chris Peterson for First Alternative Co-op’s newsletter, The Co-op Thymes

The goal of this series is to put a face on hunger in our community. To do that, we’ll visit the "safety nets" of emergency food and related resources in Corvallis and Philomath. To protect the privacy of those who share their stories with us, names aren’t used. (I didn’t ask for names; if the initial used is theirs, it’s coincidental.) Nor is the location of the interview named. The sketches result from necessarily brief conversations at one of five sites where emergency food boxes are available. Situations are often far more complicated than initially described. Due to limited resources and increasing demand, families are allotted one box per month, or twelve per year, though no one in need will be turned away if resources are available. Boxes supply three to five days worth of food. Recipients must meet federal poverty guidelines. Last year 34,051 emergency food boxes were issued in Benton/Linn counties.

Note: All boxed statistics are from a 2002 survey of local food bank recipients. Another is currently underway.

Hunger touches everyone daily, but many of us can make it disappear with healthful food and little thought. Often, our image of the hungry is shabbily-dressed people of the Depression era or emaciated children with distended bellies on another continent. We don’t picture the hungry as our neighbors, even during a food drive. We make our contribution - it makes us feel good momentarily. It’s uncomfortable to imagine being on the receiving end so we tuck that thought behind other concerns and it conveniently disappears.

"C’s" day is a whirlwind of three energetic pre-schoolers exploring their world with enviable innocence. Visiting the food bank was just one more adventure. Their father, a college-educated professional was laid off six months ago. "C" learned about the food bank one month ago. They didn’t expect to meet federal poverty guidelines when her husband embarked on his career and they started their family. He just found a new job; the food box will help as they struggle to catch up.

The hungry live in our neighborhoods and attend our schools. We pass them on the street and playground. They keep our community humming along; they likely pick the food you eat.

Oregon held the dubious distinction of ranking #1 in the nation for hunger for five of the last 6 years. Oklahoma recently "won" the title when they edged one tenth of a percent ahead.

"J" struggles to get by on SSI and food stamps for herself and her three children and was shaken recently when her food stamps were cut due to a misunderstanding. The food bank has been a lifesaver. A disability keeps her from working, but she hopes her children won’t repeat her mistake of not finishing school. She does all she can to encourage them. One child is especially self-conscious about being overweight because of taunting classmates.

Hunger doesn’t always result in thin bodies. A hungry person can look well-fed even when not fed well. Cheap, highly-processed, refined foods can still a growling stomach but cause myriad life-threatening health problems, including obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart problems and troublesome teeth. Fresh vegetables and fruits are often unavailable, too expensive, or too time-consuming for families unused to preparing them or where the adult(s) work two or three jobs and meal preparation falls to a child or a very stressed parent.

"B" rushed into the food bank breathless and sweating. Her car had broken down two blocks away; the mechanic said it may be serious. Unsure of the food bank’s hours, she couldn’t afford to miss it as she had last week. Employed as a care-giver for three disabled people, she needed to pick up a box for one of her clients - and one for her own family. A food bank volunteer took her to the client’s home, but later she’d have to get her own food boxes home. She had an amazingly upbeat attitude.

Stressed as all our lives can be, most of us don’t have to worry about where to get food for our children until our next paycheck or food stamps arrive. It’s not a concern of only the unemployed; families with one—even two—full-time workers face hunger when half of their income goes into housing. Utilities and transportation needs often trump health care. Minimum wage is not the minimum required to survive today. Welfare reform produced impressive, feel-good numbers for politicians, but it doesn’t feel so good to the child who goes to bed hungry or can’t concentrate in school.

Hunger’s effect on children:

"Shopping" at a food bank is not like at a grocery store. People are given as much choice as possible, which reduces waste, but food bank sources are limited too so recipients select according to the size of the family. All 21 food banks in Linn & Benton counties are supplied by Linn-Benton Food Share (LBFS), which is a member of the Oregon Food Bank (OFB) whose food comes from government (U.S. Department of Agriculture) surpluses, farms, manufacturers, retailers and individuals. According to Mike Gibson, director of LBFS, less than half of their food comes from the OFB. One third comes from local resources, another 10 % from out-of-area food processors (e.g. Norpac), and 9% is purchased.

"P", a young mother of two, is studying nursing at LBCC; she wants to work with children and the elderly. Her employment will supplement her husband’s seasonal job.

The Northwest Job Gap study released in 2000 calculated the livable wage for Oregon to be $37,336 for a single parent with two children.


A Sobering Look at Hunger in Linn and Benton Counties - Part 2 (June 2004)

Written by Chris Peterson for First Alternative Co-op’s newsletter, The Co-op Thymes

This is Part 2 of a series striving to put a face on hunger by meeting those who visit local food banks and other emergency food resources. (See May 2004 issue of The Thymes for Part 1) To protect the privacy of those who share their stories, names aren’t used. If the initial used here is theirs, it’s coincidental. Nor is the location of the interview named. Situations are usually far more complicated than initially described. Due to limited resources and increasing demand, families are allotted one box per month, or twelve per year, though no one in need will be turned away if resources are available. Boxes supply 3 to 5 days worth of food. Recipients must meet federal poverty guidelines. Last year, 34,051 emergency food boxes were issued in Benton/Linn counties.

"T" was diagnosed with MS and fibromialgia in 1996 and landed on disability a year ago. When her PhD. in a science field didn’t yield satisfying work, she chose a career where, for many years, she was the one people came to in times of crisis or spiritual need. She enjoyed her work and was at ease speaking in front of crowds. Today, she finds it difficult to even be around people. An food box recipient now, she’s also a food bank volunteer acutely sensitive to those who must "shop" there.

The hungry who shop at food banks are as diverse as shoppers at WinCo or First Alternative. Each person’s situation is unique. Some have college degrees, some lack even a G.E.D, some are employed, others are looking for work, many are on disability. And yes, some are pros at "milking the system" and will always do so. For others, it’s a painful place they avoid at all costs. "I’ve seen people in tears by the time they’ve filled their first box," said Lee, a volunteer at Tunison Food Bank. Try to imagine yourself entering that door. Maybe that’s why we avoid putting a face on the hungry - it could be ours. We may be just one pink slip, health crisis, or family catastrophe away from receiving an emergency food box rather than donating to it.

69% of food bank recipients have a high school education or less, compared to 41% of the general population

The young man in fatigues hasn’t been to the food bank in 6 months, but brought his mother in today who is on SSI disability. A general laborer without a car, he hopes employment opportunities increase with the better weather.

Three years ago, Mike Gibson, director of Linn Benton Food Share (LBFS) realized that transportation problems might be keeping some south-Corvallis residents from getting to the St. Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. South Corvallis needed its own food bank. Judy Hecht, then working at Stone Soup, agreed to find a location, then be the director. The Southside Community Church on Tunison St. was the site until the original dozen families increased and outgrew the space. Since then the owner of the building they’re in now has generously donated available space. But they have to move when the space is rented so Hecht and her board of directors hope to raise funds for a permanent home. The board president, a former farmer, hopes to eventually have a demonstration garden and room for Gleaners. She’d especially like to show people how to grow and use winter vegetables. Gibson predicted they’d serve 50 to 60 families a month; they serve about 140.

Linn Benton Food Share distributed over 4.1million pounds of food, equivalent to 121 semi-truck loads, in 2002-’03.

"E" says he’s a willing laborer, but jobs are scarce. He and his dog live in his trailer on rural property shared with others in a similar situation, in exchange for caring for the property. In summer, they raise vegetable gardens. They hope to afford pipe to distribute garden water this summer, rather than carry it by hand.

All 21 food banks in Benton and Linn counties receive most of their food from Linn Benton Food Share (LBFS), but each has other sources, such as food drives by specific churches, individuals or groups, and from grants.

Tunison Food Bank benefits from fundraising films and concerts, First Alternative’s 1% for Corvallis program, the Methodist and Unitarian Churches (among others), and the Youth Garden Project in summer.

"T" was forced to flee with her children from an abusive husband last night and is staying with a friend temporarily. They’ll bounce in the safety net until she finishes job training and finds employment.

St. Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church receives support from two other churches and the thrift shop in the same building. Corvallis’ oldest food bank, it and the neighboring thrift shop are open every weekday afternoon. FA employee Tom Ryan, who stocks the Co-op’s shelves early each morning, stocks their shelves most evenings.

"M" lived in his van for 2 years after a relationship dissolved, along with his business. Maintaining personal hygiene and parking unnoticed requires dexterity and a mental map of 24-hour establishments. He just got a job that pays minimum wage. He’s happy to be working again and living indoors, albeit with others half his age.

The Philomath Food Pantry is known locally as Nancy & Don’s Food Pantry for Nancy Flegle and Don Anderson, two key organizing figures. It’s housed in the new Community Services Building with local Gleaners and The Kids’ Closet. Local school kids bring in tons (literally) of food from various projects and donate time for school credit. Sometimes the Philomath judge substitutes donations to the food bank for a fine, or assigns community service there. The Food Pantry’s director, Dot Richardson, mentioned a gentleman who "comes in faithfully every other Tuesday night, bringing about 100 pounds of food and cleaning supplies." All food banks are boosted by similar good Samaritans who understand the need. Some are avid gardeners who "plant a row for the hungry". Others have been on the receiving end themselves. Lupe McGinnis, treasurer of Philomath’s Food Pantry, said they receive checks monthly from former recipients.

The gap between rich and poor grew four times faster in Oregon than nationally. Average family incomes of the richest fifth in Oregon grew 34% while the poorest fifth’s declined by 6% between the late 1980’s and the late 1990’s.

The octogenarian who had surgery two weeks ago comes in to visit with his friends, the food bank staff, every week. He seems as nourished by the people contact as by the small amount of food he takes.

One food bank reported more elderly coming in, apparently due to the high cost of prescription drugs.

Over six percent of food bank recipients are homeless. Because they cannot cook or refrigerate food, their choices are limited, but their needs are honored as best as possible.

"B" receives SSI and is scheduled for back surgery next week. She’s just been diagnosed with diabetes. Her husband suffers from seizures so is currently unable to work. "These people are lifesavers," she said. "I don’t know what I’d do without them."

Money donated to food banks can be used to buy food through the Oregon Food Bank at much lower cost than at regular grocery stores. For every dollar donated approximately 15 pounds of food can be distributed in the Willamette Valley. The money can also be used at local stores to purchase items on sale that are not available through the OFB or with food stamps, such as personal care items and laundry or cleaning supplies.

 

A Sobering Look at Hunger in Linn and Benton Counties – Part 3 (July 2004)

Written by Chris Peterson for First Alternative Co-op’s newsletter, The Co-op Thymes

Over the last two months we heard stories from neighbors who stare hunger in the eye and must sometimes rely on a food bank. This month we’ll step back for a broader view and meet someone who is trying to figure out why so many Oregonians wrestle with hunger. To do so, we’ll climb the proverbial "ivory tower" -- in this case, to the 3rd floor office of Mark Edwards, professor of sociology and co-author of studies on hunger in Oregon that are stirring debate and, hopefully, will help our elected officials focus on actions for change.

The fact that Oregon ranked #1 rank nationally in hunger for four of the last five years may actually be a good thing, Edwards suggests. It certainly caused him and co-author Bruce Weber, professor of agricultural and resource economics and an Extension Economist at OSU to wonder if someone’s calculator was malfunctioning. How could it be that while Oregon experienced such a fast-growing economy in the late 1990s we also had one of the highest hunger rates? Wasn’t the rising tide supposed to lift all boats? Why were some sinking while the number of yachts in this pond called Oregon increased?

While going over the data (and finding no malfunctioning calculator - the figures checked out) the first thing to catch Edwards’ eye was the number of people who are employed full-time, year-round who are hungry or not "food secure" (having or able to purchase nutritionally adequate food). "We could certainly imagine a homeless person being hungry," Edwards said, "or even an unemployed poor person, but when you start seeing it among two-parent families who are working all year, it’s quite surprising."

The bulk of data Edwards and Weber use comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ nationwide Current Population Survey, and another done at the behest of our state government called the Oregon Population Survey. "Because the Oregon Population Survey is done by telephone, it will undoubtedly underestimate hunger and food insecurity because it’s not going to get those who don’t have phones, according to Edwards. The nationwide survey, however, visits the homes of interviewees who don’t have a phone. It shows a crescent of states with high hunger rates that travels down the west coast and swings into the southwest and south. The mid-west and northeast experience lower-than-average hunger. Curiously, the northwest consistently shows high hunger rates but not high poverty rates.

Edwards and Weber purposely rely on survey data rather than statistics from food banks. "They’re dealing only with those who show up at the food bank," Edwards said. "Where else is hunger located? Who are the families that aren’t coming in?" Some who experience hunger or food insecurity for the first time may not know about resources such as food banks or food stamps. Or, they may avoid them because of a perceived stigma attached to asking for help.

Some whose boats have stayed well afloat are critical of the sinking poor and suggest they just need to pull their socks up and get a job. But, what if you’ve already pulled your socks up and have a job—or jobs—but still go hungry? Then, others rationalize, you must be spending your money unwisely; you’re irresponsible. Do more Oregonians spend their money unwisely than elsewhere? "Although we know that over the 1990s people with lower incomes slipped and did not keep up with inflation, it’s my perception that was true all over the country," Edwards said, "so why don’t we find hunger rates as high in other places? What is unique about Oregon ?" What made the gap between the richest and poorest soar here? Why do we have a higher hunger rate than poverty rate? Why do so many people who qualify for food stamps not take them, even though the Oregon Hunger Relief Task Force does probably the best outreach in the nation?

One critic, from the Cascade Policy Institute, a conservative think-tank in Portland, says Edwards’ and Weber’s measure is faulty, that Oregon can’t have high hunger because it has so many other things about it that would predict low hunger, such as the number of high school graduates over the last ten years, the moderate rates of poverty, and the moderate rates of single-parenthood. Edwards counters that if the Oregon numbers are flawed, why does the measure work in the other 49 states?

One flaw Edwards agrees with concerning the survey questions is that it simply asks "in the last year, was there a time when…", thus someone who ran out of money just once, for whatever reason, would be counted among the hungry. But, follow-up questions indicate it happened to a "sizable fraction" several times. Even if it happened only once, it shows some people are living on the edge. "Patty Whitney Wise of the Hunger Relief Task Force says we should think of hunger as the canary in the mine shaft," Edwards said. It indicates a dangerous situation and shows how vulnerable many families are.

Scientists, including social scientists, are cautious about drawing conclusions. As much as everyone would like to find the reason for hunger and get on with fixing it, it’s an extremely complicated situation with elusive components. However, Edwards’ and Weber’s current study suggests that housing costs are likely a critical feature. Whether it’s more important than child care or medical expenses is unclear. It’s the people just above the poverty line—perhaps up to twice the poverty line—that appear to be most vulnerable since they’re not poor enough to get welfare or other aid, yet the ordinary costs of living consume a higher percentage of their income. They often face higher job instability as well.

Now that Edwards and Weber have determined the data is real, their goal is to present it in a non-partisan a way, just as it was analyzed. They’re impressed with how many people in Oregon rose to action in response to ranking #1 in the nation in hunger. They hope their work will help everyone from local to state levels figure out what we can do, but concede that the final solutions will be difficult if, in fact, the problem is jobs and the costs of living. Both political parties will have ideas with which others will disagree. But, even the best food banks in the nation—and Oregon’s rate very high—can do just so much. It’s imperative that we all, especially those of us who aren’t hungry, use our individual skills in righting the wrong of hunger. Besides donating food or money we must vote, supporting representatives who will bring the justice that truly represents Oregon—and our nation—to everyone’s table.

Editor's Note: these outstanding articles have been re-printed in the Kiwanis Club of Corvallis' website with the permission of First Alternative Co-op and the author.  We hope you find them informative.

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