 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
  |
|
|
|
EUGENE, Ore. (March 1, 2005) -- Thanks to a new food recovery program called Fresh Alliance and the generosity of local grocery stores, FOOD for Lane County is increasing the volume, variety and nutritional quality of food it distributes to thousands of Lane County residents.
Local Fred Meyer and Albertsons grocery stores are partnering with FOOD for Lane County through Fresh Alliance. Together, the stores are donating thousands of pounds every month of much needed and highly nutritious fresh and frozen foods, including meat, dairy, deli and produce.
FFLC Receives $50,000 from Kraft for Perishable Food Program
In October 2004, FOOD for Lane County received a $50,000 grant from Kraft Foods. The grant, part of Kraft's Community Nutrition Program, is helping FFLC and three food box programs in the FFLC network handle more fresh and frozen foods. Grant funds have been used to puchase a new refrigerated truck for FFLC and refrigeration equipment for two food box pantries operated by Catholic Community Services in Eugene and Springfield. The Oakridge Food Box Agency has also received funds to purchase refrigeration equipment.
“We are very excited to receive this generous award from Kraft,” said FOOD for Lane County Executive Director Pat Farr. “Increasingly, the food we get is perishable, so the refrigerated truck will help us transport that food from our donors to the food bank and to our network of providers. In addition, three of our food pantries will be able to safely store more fresh and frozen food.”
Stores Step Up Statewide
Fresh Alliance was created by Oregon Food Bank and has been operating successfully in Portland since 2002. FOOD for Lane County is part of a statewide rollout of the program. Currently, more than 80 stores are participating statewide.“Fresh Alliance allows us to alleviate many of the reservations store managers have regarding food safety and liability,” said FOOD for Lane County food resource developer Deb Buchanan. “This takes us to a whole new level of food rescue with grocery stores.”
Making Healthier Choices Available
“Through our countywide distribution network, FOOD for Lane County serves a diverse population, including seniors, disabled adults, working families and children,” said FOOD for Lane County executive director Pat Farr. “If we can improve the quality of the food we distribute, then we can improve the nutritional choices for our clients.”
Research shows that people living on limited incomes are more likely to suffer from diet-related diseases and less likely to have access to adequate health care. Less expensive “filler” foods, often high in salt, fat and sugar, contribute to these diseases.
“The need for meat, dairy and produce consistently outstrips our supply,” said FOOD for Lane County operations manager Ron Detwiler. “We need this food in order to meet the needs of our agencies for fresh, nutritious food. Business helping business is one way to effectively fill that gap.”
Catholic Community Services, a FOOD for Lane County member agency that distributes emergency food boxes, is benefiting from the Fresh Alliance program.
“Our food recipients have been thanking us for the increase they have noticed since the Fresh Alliance program started,” said Joe Softich, food distribution manager for Catholic Community Services in Eugene and Springfield. “It gives us hope that our goal of providing solidly nutritious food boxes is more realistic than ever.”
Contacts:
Deb Buchanan, Food Solicitor, FOOD for Lane County
(541) 343-2822
dbuchanan@foodforlanecounty.org
|
|
||
| Home | Contact Us |
© 2006 Food for Lane County
|