We've got a couple spots left on our volunteer shift at the Oregon Food Bank on Wednesday evening, 1/15/20, for volunteers to learn why the Census is so important for fighting hunger. The same people who tend to be undercounted by the Census are the same people who experience higher risks of hunger. But being counted means more political representation and funding for programs that fight hunger. Being counted translates to meals in our kids' schools, SNAP, WIC, housing and utility assistance, and much, much more.

We're going to use the first half of this 2-hour shift to delve into the history of the Census, how it fails communities experiencing hunger, and what we can do to ensure everyone is counted. Then we'll transition to food repack to ensure that families in our neighborhood have food to eat today! We will also offer opportunities to take tangible action supporting anti-hunger policy.

During our first run of this new model, sensitive topics were brought up during a group brainstorming session on root cause issues. Please note that sensitive topics may come up in your group discussions too. Parent/guardian/chaperone guidance through these chats is recommended. All children 6 years and up are welcome.

The Volunteer Team is very excited to continue working on this new shift model during select Wednesday evening repack shifts in Portland. Please share this information with your family, friends and colleagues that will be joining you in your Volunteer shift. Thank you, in advance, for testing this new model with us. We will continue to ask for feedback throughout the process.

If interested in volunteering, please register on the Oregon Food Bank volunteer calender (https://ofbvolunteers.civicore.com/index.php?section=individualOpportunities&action=calendar_main) and sign up for the Volunteer Action Center shift on Wednesday, 1/15 from 6-8 pm.

If you can't make it but would like to learn more about hunger and the Census, feel free to reach out to me at aestrem@oregonfoodbank.com. This shift on the Census will also be offered February 5 and February 19. Once you have attended one of these shifts, you are also invited to volunteer at food pantries and meal sites to help clients complete the Census to ensure that everyone is counted. 

Important Things to Know

• Every volunteer, regardless of age, must register ahead of time.  To sign up family members, log out of your account, then create/login to a spouse's/child's profile. You may use one email address for multiple people.
• Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and must hand-in a completed Youth Consent Form before volunteering. 
• Click on a specific shift for detailed information that includes shift description and age requirements. Same day sign up is not available due to planning purposes.
• Bad weather the day of your shift? Call 503.282.0555 after 7am the morning of your shift to check for cancelations.