SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Food Bank Network is asking state lawmakers to boost funding for hunger programs as food banks deal with an influx in demand.
Advocacy director Jon Stubenvoll said in a news conference Wednesday that emergency food box distribution increased 17 percent over three years as more families struggle financially during the Great Recession.
Subenvoll says $2.2 million in funding for the General Fund Food Program would allow food banks to distribute an additional 1.1 million pounds of food.
The organization’s funding request is a $350,000 boost over the level Gov. John Kitzhaber recommended in his proposed budget.
