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The Oregon Food Bank Network of regional food banks recently approved updates to The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Please read on for updates, click here for an FAQ document, and if you are a TEFAP agency, you will receive more specific information in the coming weeks.
What has changed? - The maximum income threshold for TEFAP participation is increasing from 185% to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- The word “emergency” has been removed from program names to recognize that participants often access services on an on-going basis.
- TEFAP participation will be open to agencies who can “create nutritional interventions relevant to communities served,” even if this is not a 3-5 day supply of food. This means that you should focus on meeting the needs of the cultural and personal preferences of the people you’re serving. As much as possible, the decision on the type and quantity of food distributed should be left to the client.
Why 300% of Federal Poverty Level?
The Oregon Food Bank Network holds people experiencing hunger and food insecurity at the center of all we do, and affirms that people experiencing hunger are THE experts on hunger. We understand that because of high rents, high childcare bills, high medical costs, or other expenses, some Oregonians who are working full-time and making too much to qualify for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) or other assistance, may still struggle to put food on the table.
Making food assistance available to our neighbors who currently fall into this service gap is one step toward ensuring that our communities never go hungry. At 300% of FPL, more people who face food insecurity will have the choice to access TEFAP food if they need it.
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This week in Census work: Pledge Cards! |
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Hopefully by now you've heard that OFB has launched a campaign to ensure everyone in our community is counted in the 2020 Census - and we need your help! Communities that experience hunger often don't get counted.
When folks aren't counted, our communities don't receive the resources we need. The census determines access to funding for infrastructure like roads, schools and hospitals, and important programs like SNAP, WIC, Section 8 and Medicaid. Oregon is also poised to gain an additional seat in the House of Representatives.
One way you can help get the word out about the Census is by using pledge cards! Pledge cards are simply a card you fill out to yourself, promising you'll take the 2020 Census - and then it's mailed back to you in April as a reminder! Simple, yet effective.
OFB has created these pledge cards, which are available in multiple languages, for you to share with your program participants.
Please take a moment to fill out this questionnaire, which outlines three ways that you can partner with OFB in our census activities - including requesting pledge cards for your program. And if you're interested in learning more about the Census and how you can be involved, you'll see info on our three upcoming trainings on the form as well.
And, you can get a jump on your involvement by pledging to take the Census yourself! Click here to fill out an online pledge card, and please share! It can be included in organizational newsletters, on social media, however you'd like. Make your commitment now!
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Supper Club Coordinator at Lift Urban Portland
Lift UP is seeking two part-time Supper Club Coordinators. Each coordinator will be responsible for facilitating and further developing the Supper Club program. Each coordinator will contribute to the operational success of Supper Club through program management, facilitation, and evaluation.
The goals of Supper Club are to strengthen community, build human connections, and help promote healthy eating habits by providing residents the opportunity to prepare and eat nutrient-dense foods.
Qualified, interested candidates are invited to email a resume and cover letter addressing how this position aligns with your experiences, skills, and professional goals to: |
| Facilities Manager at OFB
Oregon Food Bank’s highly-motivated Facilities Manager effectively manages OFB facilities in accordance with OFB policy and procedures.
Provides leadership to establish best practices for employee safety, environmental impacts, facility utilization, and disaster preparedness. Optimizes facilities and equipment to support mission and maintains assets for long-term use.
Manages service provider contracts, is primary interface with (non-food safety) regulatory bodies, and supports other departments and the Network on facilities and regulatory needs. Click here for more information. |
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Civil Rights/Client Engagement Training
When: 2 options: February 19th, 1pm to 3pm at OFB West (1870 NW 173rd Ave, Beaverton, OR) or March 2nd, 1pm to 3pm at OFB 33rd Drive (7900 NE 33rd Drive Portland, OR) Cost: FREE
This training will fulfill partner agency staff and volunteers' annual Civil Rights training requirement. This training will also provide context for how adopting principles of client engagement best practices are inherently connected to providing services that adhere to civil rights laws that must be followed by all Oregon Food Bank partner agencies.
This interactive training will focus on client engagement best practices and will include a facilitated discussion and viewing of the new OFB Civil Rights training video. Time will be made for participants to ask questions, and share stories about client engagement strategies being utilized at their respective agencies, as well as ask questions about any uncertainty or confusion maneuvering through real life situations at your agencies where questions of potential discrimination may or may not have come up.
Everyone will leave with a copy of OFB's Client Engagement Best Practices Toolkit and an understanding of required civil rights laws to ensure a welcoming environment for clients utilizing services. Click here to register. |
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