They used to tell me I was building a dream, and so I followed the mob,
When there was earth to plow, or guns to bear, I was always there right on the job.
They used to tell me I was building a dream, with peace and glory ahead,
Why should I be standing in line, just waiting for bread?

These are the opening lines from the depression era tune, “Brother, can you spare a dime?” Sadly, they’re beginning to seem hauntingly apropos for thousands of our neighbors who are first time emergency assistance clients.
Jean Kempe-Ware of the Oregon Food Bank says that “requests for emergency food has skyrocketed to record levels. Distribution of emergency food boxes increased 15 percent throughout Oregon and Clark County, Wash. In some areas of the state, distribution has increased as much as 40 percent.”
Your neighbors need you. Today is the first day of Oregon Hunger Awareness Week, an effort by Gov. Ted Kulongoski to: 1) Promote awareness about the hunger problem in Oregon; 2) Educate about the root causes of hunger; and 3) Help inspire citizens and communities throughout the state to take action to help end hunger in Oregon.
You can learn more about hunger in Oregon and SW Washington by clicking here.
You can donate to the Oregon Food Bank, by clicking here.
You can take action to end hunger in Oregon, by clicking here.

April 27th, 2009 | Category: Metro Parent