 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
  |
|
|
|
In 1985 FOOD (Food Organization of Distributors) for Lane County was incorporated to assess the need for food assistance and to coordinate hunger relief services to the community by providing an organized system of food storage and equitable distribution, coordinating accounting services crucial to continued government support, increasing the number of agencies involved in all aspects of food acquisition and delivery and actively developing a cooperative network of services. Since that time, we have evolved to include food service programs, food security projects, education and outreach, advocacy, expanded opportunities and partnerships for community involvement and have increased capacity to meet the growing needs of our community. We at FFLC are committed to a cooperative, team-oriented agency that respects individual diversity and accomplishment.
FOOD for Lane County is a private, nonprofit food bank directed by a volunteer, community-based board of directors. FFLC operates with a paid professional staff supported by an active volunteer base of more than 2,000 people. Volunteers are a critical component in our success. Last year, volunteers contributed more than 60,000 hours.
FOOD for Lane County is dedicated to providing emergency food to Lane County residents. FFLC provides solutions to problems that go beyond an emergency response to hunger. Community gardens, children’s nutrition programs, gleaning groups and nutrition classes that teach healthy cooking and budget management skills encourage self-reliance and bring local solutions to local needs, involving those who benefit.
FFLC serves the emergency food requirements of Lane County. The county extends from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade mountains, covers roughly 4,620 square miles and has a population of 322,959 (according to the 2000 Census). Lane County is larger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined and almost the size of Connecticut. Eugene and Springfield make up the second largest urban area in Oregon after Portland. FOOD for Lane County is the second largest regional food bank in the state.
The people we serve are vital partners in fulfilling the mission of FFLC, and we invite input and participation from them at all levels. We recognize that hunger is not a choice, but is a solvable problem. We listen respectfully, view people as individuals, honor their privacy and offer services in an equitable and approachable manner. We respond promptly, accurately and respectfully. We work, speak and advocate with, and on behalf of, the people we serve. All resources are offered in a nonjudgmental manner. FFLC is committed to supporting the dignity of the people we serve.
FOOD for Lane County recovers food from a variety of local, statewide and national sources including individual donors, food wholesalers, retailers, distributors, growers, processors, restaurants, commercial kitchens and other food banks to fulfill the local need for emergency food. Nearly half of the 6 million pounds of food we distribute each year comes from local donors including farms, food drives, restaurants, retail and wholesale grocers and businesses.
No one agency can address the local need for emergency food assistance. By partnering with 100 programs and social service agencies, FOOD for Lane County is able to provide food to thousands of people in our community who would otherwise be hungry. This network of direct service providers includes food pantries, meal sites, emergency shelters and supplemental programs.
Hunger cannot be solved by any one group or agency acting alone. FFLC is committed to partnering with agencies to put an end to hunger. We value the important contributions and abilities of each agency in the FFLC network. Agencies can expect us to provide product and support to maximize the services they offer. We live up to our individual and organizational commitments. As colleagues, agencies can expect FFLC to respond promptly and work toward the resolution of problems. Agencies can expect us to work with and advocate on behalf of the entire network. We welcome agency input on all levels. We take responsibility for our actions and stand behind the quality of our products, personnel and services. We equitably distribute all resources, monitor agencies fairly and according to policy, and are good steward of funds, time, and trust.
We commit to serve as good stewards of all donated resources. We develop mutually beneficial community partnerships to maximize resources for the fulfillment of our mission. We treat every donor with courtesy and respect. We inform, educate, and provide opportunities for donor participation in FFLC activities. We acknowledge, accurately record, and track all donations and protect donor confidentiality to the extent provided by law. We acknowledge and correct our mistakes promptly, submit to a regular, independent audit, and maintain an open-book policy. We maintain a well-trained, efficient staff, committed to the prudent and appropriate use of all donated resources.
We believe in the importance of our mission and that only a united, diverse and committed work force can fulfill that mission. We value and acknowledge the contributions and abilities of all staff members. We take responsibility for our actions and stand behind the quality of our work. We treat one another with respect, courtesy and fairness. We actively support the continued development of a diverse work force. We ensure a respectful, inclusive and flexible work environment. We honor and learn from different opinions, cultural backgrounds and lifestyles. We provide opportunities for individuals to learn and grow both personally and professionally and provide forums for staff input on organization decisions. We maintain an environment of creativity and innovation in the pursuit of excellence.
We recognize that as a community-based organization, FFLC depends on volunteers as vital links to the community at large. We encourage people to volunteer and treat all volunteers with equal regard. We recognize that we are governed by a volunteer board of directors and appreciate their contribution. We actively involve volunteers throughout the organization. We acknowledge that volunteers come to us for different reasons and experiences, and we strive to discover the best fit between each volunteer and the jobs available. We provide opportunities for volunteers to grow personally and professionally as their relationship to FFLC deepens and expands. We prepare and supervise appropriate projects to ensure efficient use of volunteer time and skills. We honor and appreciate the contributions of all volunteers.
|
|
||
| Home | Contact Us |
© 2006 Food for Lane County
|