Oregon Food Bank Unveils Bold Initiative to Combat Worst Hunger Crisis Since Great Depression

The Oregon Food Bank, part of the Food for All Oregonians Coalition, is hosting a press conference on Monday, January 27, to introduce the Food for All Oregonians bill (SB 611), a statewide initiative led by over 155 organizations.

The initiative comes in light of Oregon Food Bank data revealing that Oregon’s hunger is at its worst since the Great Depression.

Oregon Hunger Crisis Press Conference

Food for All Oregonians indicated that the hunger crisis underscores an urgent need for bold action. A press conference scheduled for January 27 will include Oregon Food Bank president Andrea Williams’ first “State of Hunger” address and details of new data highlighting Oregon’s hunger crisis.

Focused on Food for All Oregonians, the initiative will focus on how Oregon can lead the way by centering immigrant communities and combating food insecurity.

The bill is part of a broader Immigrant Justice Package, and the call to rise for all is made amidst threats to safety nets and ongoing challenges to immigrant justice from the second Trump administration.

The organization recognizes the critical role of immigrant communities in Oregon and the importance of ensuring equitable access to resources.

Oregon Food Bank believes that food and health are fundamental human rights for all and works to end hunger in the state by building community connections to help people access nourishing, affordable food and eliminate the root causes of hunger forever through community-driven efforts. Oregon Food Bank can be found on social media at  @oregonfoodbank.

The conference is a precursor to the Oregon Hunger Task Force hearing on January 28, which will urge legislators to pass Food for All Oregonians.

The Food For All Oregonians press conference will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. on the back Steps of the Oregon State Capitol, 945 State Street, Salem, Oregon. Speakers include:

• Andrea Williams, President, Oregon Food Bank: “State of Hunger” address and revealing new data
• Senator Wlnsvey Campos, Chief sponsor of the Food for All Oregonians bill (SB 611)
• Andrea Vanessa Castillo, Policy and Advocacy Manager at the Oregon Latino Health Coalition, represents the over 155 organizations in the Food for All Oregonians coalition.
• David Soria Garcia, Policy Leadership Council Member, and Tillamook Community Leader: A personal story about the importance of passing the bill

The release highlighted Oregon’s potential as a leader by addressing hunger’s root causes and centering immigrant justice. To confirm attendance or request interviews, RSVP to [email protected].