The annual Governor’s State Employees Food Drive kicks off Thursday, Feb. 1, offering an opportunity for employees across campus to donate and lift up food insecure Oregonians. Employees are encouraged to donate, particularly if they have never participated before, in an amount that feels appropriate for their personal situation.
When February begins, donations can be made online, either through the special online giving site specific to the drive or by completing the online payroll deduction (Duck ID login required) request form. Funds offer regional food banks flexibility to add resources where they are needed most, such as purchasing most-needed foods quickly or responding after an impactful event like the recent ice storms. The need is greater in Lane County than Oregon at large and was on the rise even before the inclement weather.
“Because many pandemic-era benefits that helped families in poverty expired in March 2023, we’re seeing a huge increase in need in our community, as many as 60-75% more visitors to pantries around the county,” said Rebecca Sprinson, director of development at FOOD for Lane County. “We’re purchasing food at high rates and trying to make every donated can and box of pasta count.”
By AroundtheO