Why Dr. Ami Bear & Dr. David Bear Support FFLC

21st Annual Empty Bowls Dinner & Auction Auction Chairs Dr. Ami Bear and Dr. David Bear Talk About Why They Support FFLC

We are so excited for our 21st Annual Empty Bowls Dinner & Auction on September 28 at the Lane Events Center. We hope you can join us. We spoke recently with auction chairs Dr. Ami Bear and Dr. David Bear about why they support FFLC and why ending hunger in Lane County is important to them.

FFLC: Why is supporting FFLC important to your family?

DAVID: As parents, we are aware that many children go hungry when so many of us have more than we need. Healthy kids require energy and the felt security of knowing there will be enough to thrive, and we want to support that any way we can.  We also want our own kids to be aware of the serious needs in our community and to see how they can begin making a difference, even in their youth.

FFLC: What ties do you see between food insecurity and your work as physicians?

AMI: As a developmental pediatrician, I know that environmental stability and consistency is a bedrock for thriving children. Consistent sources of healthy foods ensure that children learn better in school, sleep better at night and have more energy to run and play, which are core developmental tasks that serve to ensure proper growth across all arenas of development. Growing strong families and children starts with ensuring each of them has their basic needs consistently met. When physical needs are met in homes, caregivers of children are more free to focus on the ever important emotional, behavioral and cognitive needs of the children in their homes. Children living with food insecurity have less consistent ability to learn, play and grow compared to peers living with secure food sources.

DAVID: As an orthopedic surgeon, I am acutely aware of the importance of nutrition in healing. Unfortunately, food insecurity frequently leads to malnutrition, which in turn delays or prevents the body’s response to healing. This leads simple injuries that would normally not be a big deal to turn into chronic wounds or lead to an infection. Inadequate nutrition also leads to delayed bone healing and inability to heal after surgery. FOOD For Lane County is critical for providing nutritious meals for these patients.

FFLC: What FFLC programs do you find particularly innovative or exciting, and why?  

AMI: One of the most amazing things we have learned while preparing for the Empty Bowls Dinner and Auction is just how many amazing programs FOOD For Lane County has to offer.  I have met many young people who have gained important skills from the gardens at the Youth Farm, all while promoting confidence, learning about nutrition and understanding community needs. The Dining Room, where families can come together and enjoy a freshly prepared meal, is truly amazing. We were particularly excited about the Summer Food Program, which provides nearly 30,000 meals to children over the summer.

Tickets for the 21st Annual Empty Bowls Dinner & Auction available now!
Click here to purchase your tickets.