| Press Release |
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| October 17, 2008 |
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Governor Declares October 20-24 "Oregon Harvest Week"
Governor calls on all Oregonians to fight hunger, support local farmers
(Salem) – Governor Ted Kulongoski today announced that the week of October 20-24, 2008 will be this year’s Harvest Week – an annual week started by the Governor in 2003 to ensure children and families have their basic food needs met and to support local agricultural and Oregon ‘s economy.
“Harvest time is a time of giving thanks – for the food we eat, our families and friends, our beautiful surroundings, and the many other blessings of life,” Governor Kulongoski said. “Oregon Harvest Week is an opportunity to celebrate Oregon’s bounty, and for everyone to do what they can to make certain everyone is able to share in that bounty.”
In recognition of the important link between health, nutrition and hunger, next week the Governor will highlight different ways Oregonians are helping to end hunger and supporting local agriculture:
Monday, October 21: Governor will announce the availability of online curriculum for health care professionals to learn about the effect of hunger on child health and to implement screening tools in the doctor’s office to identify those at risk.
Tuesday, October 22: Governor will join students at Kelly Elementary for the kick-off of the Local Lunch pilot program. Local Lunch connects schools with Oregon farmers and food processors and is being launched in the Portland and Gervais school districts because they have higher percentages of students on free or reduced lunch. The program also supports Oregon agriculture and teaches students to make healthy food choices. The Governor will join Kelly Elementary students for a healthy meal that is made entirely from local foods.
Wednesday, October 23: Governor will announce this year’s recipient of the Mahonia Food Industry Award for Hunger Relief. The award honors an Oregon company for its commitment to fighting hunger through its support of the Oregon Food Bank.
The Governor will also call on all Oregonians to give to their local food bank. Food banks need a variety of fruits, vegetables, meats and carbohydrates to provide families with nutritious emergency food boxes.
“With many people struggling to keep up with the rising costs in living, demand for emergency food boxes is increasing at local food banks. It’s important we all do what we can to make sure food banks are able to serve each and every family a healthy, well-balanced food box when they need it,” the Governor said.
Oregonians should visit www.oregonfoodbank.org to find the local food bank in their community.
Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
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