coe-staff: Food for Lane County 2021

[Marty Hurst]

Dear College of Education employees:



Ducks Choose Each Other, One Meal at a Time

Food has the power to heal us, to connect us, to make us stronger. Food solves hunger today by filling plates with nutritious meals. With your help, we can end hunger for our fellow Oregonians and this year the need is greater than ever. The annual State Employees Food Drive starts on February 1!



Due to COVID-19, the 2021 Food Drive has been adapted to focus on payroll deductions and credit card or checking account donations to local food banks. Beginning February 1, you will be able to create a one-time, or 12-month recurring payroll deduction via this link. Be sure to enter your department name, in the appropriate field. Our online giving site is at https://fundraise.foodforlanecounty.org/COE



Fighting Student Food Insecurity

While we aren't able to host food collection barrels on campus this year, employees can give canned food every Wednesday in February from 11am to 1pm at the Student Food Pantry. These events are the result of a new partnership between the food drive steering committee, UO's Food Security Task Force, and FOOD for Lane County. The pantry is hosted at Grace Lutheran Church at 18th and Hilyard, and volunteers will be onsite to accept and weigh your donations during these special drop-off events.



Though all in-date, shelf-stable food items will be accepted, each date will be themed to encourage employees to donate most-wanted items:

* Feb 3: Shelf-Stable Proteins: nut butters; 1 lb bags of dried beans; canned beans, tuna, chicken, ham

* Feb 10: Culturally Appropriate Foods: dried lentils, split-peas, chickpeas, beans; masa; mole and canned salsas; curry paste and packets; chiles; spices

* Feb 17: Meal Building Blocks: hearty soups and chilis (don't forget vegetarian!); oatmeal; granola; pancake/baking mix; cereal; plant-based milks (oat milk, almond milk, rice milk); pasta sauce, cooking oils

* Feb 24: Canned Fruit and Veggies: Low-sugar dried fruit; applesauce; canned fruit; canned peas, carrots, corn, diced tomatoes



Our Neighbors Need Us

The hunger rate in Oregon has doubled since March.



In total, regional food banks distributed 57.7 million meals in 2020. Watch this short video to learn more about how regional food banks are working to meet the needs of the communities around them.



Our goal for the College of Education this year is $2,000.00. We hope that you will take advantage of the payroll deductions and credit card or checking account donations to local food banks.



Keep an eye on your inbox for more information about how to make a donation or sign up for payroll deduction and the details around our upcoming events starting February 1!



Thank you again for your efforts to help feed our neighbors,


Lisa Fortin and Marty Hurst


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