PRESS RELEASE: Community Power Prevails: SB 610 Rally Sparks Commitment for Food for All Oregonians

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 1, 2023

Contact: Morgan D. Dewey, media@foodforallor.org, 801-712-7969

Community Power Prevails: SB 610 Rally Signals Need for Food for All Oregonians

Inspirational speakers share personal stories amplifying the call for full funding of SB 610 this legislative session

Salem, OR - The Oregon State Capitol was a powerful backdrop for the SB 610, Food for All Oregonians rally held on June 1. With over 65 attendees, this impactful event brought together the Food for All Oregonians coalition, community leaders, advocates and impacted individuals from immigrant and refugee communities to advocate for the support and full funding of SB 610.

The BIPOC caucus also advocated for SB 610 this week through a letter sent to Senate President Wagner, Speaker Rayfield and Co-Chairs Steiner and Sanchez. Penned by Senator Wlnsvey Campos and Representative Ricki Ruiz, they share, “...with state revenue forecasts showing that Oregon’s economy is in good health, the time is now to invest in our communities and address these longstanding inequities in the way Oregonians access a resource as vital as food.”

With the recent positive revenue forecast, we can make Food for All Oregonians a reality. The rally urged the legislators who have walked away from their jobs to return so that Oregon can pass vital legislation that will support Oregon families and support a thriving state, including Food for All Oregonians. Angelita Morillo, Policy Advocate at Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, stated, "Today's rally was a powerful display of solidarity. We hope it serves as a wake-up call to our legislators. Every Oregonian deserves access to nourishing food, and we won't stop our pursuit until that becomes a reality."

Oregon Food Bank’s Iván Hernández affirmed, "It's inspiring to witness our community's unwavering dedication calling for food for all Oregonians. We won’t stop advocating for our communities; the fight for SB 610 isn’t over until it passes.”

Key Highlights:

• Representative Ricki Ruiz, a dedicated advocate for food justice, reiterated his commitment to prioritizing SB 610 and called on fellow legislators to take decisive action to address hunger in Oregon.

• Angelita Morillo, Policy Advocate at Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, delivered an emotional and empowering speech, sharing firsthand experiences and emphasizing the urgent need for food equity.

• Aldo Solano, FFAO Campaign Manager, spoke passionately about the impact of food insecurity and the importance of fully funding SB 610 to ensure no Oregonian goes hungry.

• Darwaish Zakhil, co-founder of the Afghan Support Network, provided a unique perspective on the significance of inclusive and accessible food programs, highlighting the importance of supporting our communities.

• Attendees had the opportunity to engage with the media, sharing personal stories of resilience and advocating for comprehensive solutions to food insecurity.

Communities across Oregon can take action by contacting their legislators and expressing support for SB 610. Oregonians will play a pivotal role in ensuring that legislators prioritize the needs of individuals and families experiencing hunger — 62,000+ of which are currently excluded from receiving SNAP benefits. Community members can reach out to their elected officials at FoodForAllOR.org/Emails.

The success of the Food for All Oregonians rally serves as a testament to the collective commitment to achieving food equity in the state. The event showcased the strength of community, the power of personal stories and the determination to secure food as a human right.

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ABOUT FOOD FOR ALL OREGONIANS

Food for All Oregonians (FFAO) is a statewide campaign to ensure that every Oregonian has access to the food we need to thrive, regardless of where we were born. The campaign is co-convened by Oregon Food Bank and Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. Leadership is provided by a steering committee of seven organizations representing the affected communities and a coalition of more than 100 community-based organizations. Learn more about the campaign and legislation at FoodForAllOR.org, and follow along on social media using #FoodForAllOregonians.