Fewer donations and higher demand

Already struggling food-aid agencies in the mid-valley are seeing an even higher demand for food this holiday season.

“While the demand for food is up, the food we have to fill them is down,” said Mike Gibson of Linn Benton Food Share.

He cites a number of factors.

One is that USDA commodities coming to food banks have decreased about 50 percent during the past three years. Also, there are fewer corporate donations — national companies donating surplus food for a tax write-off.

“So we are depending more and more on local resources,” Gibson said.

Linn Benton Food Share, the regional food bank network for both counties, had seen an 18 percent increase in demand during the 2006 and 2007 fiscal years.

Though this fiscal year has not yet ended, Gibson said the number of people being served climbed in August and September 2008, and the trend continues.

A record 10,132 Linn County individuals received food from emergency food boxes in October, compared to 7,480 the same month in 2007, a 35 percent increase.

For the two-county area served, the overall increase was 37 percent.

Gibson said layoffs are one reason people find themselves in need of food boxes, but he is seeing the greatest increase in demand from people who were just barely getting by before most living costs increased this year.

“We are seeing a lot of new people,” he said, adding the elderly are the population segment he has noticed increase most.

Several food resources are available to residents of Linn and Benton counties and the surrounding area, including Sharing Hands in Brownsville, God’s Storehouse in Harrisburg, South Benton Food Bank in Monroe, Fish of Lebanon and many others.

Another mid-valley aid group reporting an increase in demand for food is Fish of Albany.

“We are seeing a lot of folks who are working and struggling to make ends meet. Others are experiencing layoffs,” said Annette Hobbs, director of Fish of Albany. “Food boxes help them spread their resources in other areas.”

“This year it looks like it is about a 15 percent increase over last year — which was an increase over the year before,” Hobbs said of the demand.

She said the demand increased about 12 percent from 2006 to 2007.

While Fish provides food boxes year-round, recipients also may receive ingredients for holiday meals.

Elsie Robb, 23, moved to Albany from Arizona three weeks ago. She took a food box home from Fish on Thursday.

Robb works as an interviewer for Bernett Research, conducting surveys over the phone. Her husband is unemployed. They have a baby on the way.

Her mother-in-law told her about Fish.

This is the second time she has visited Fish of Albany. The first time she was struck by how kind and efficient Fish workers are.

“Here they are quick and they are nice,” she said. “I get everything I need.”

She said similar programs in Arizona leave clients waiting four to five hours.

Robb’s mother-in-law, Beverly Kelso, also of Albany, accompanied her to Fish on Thursday.

“When I was better off I gave a bunch of stuff here,” Kelso said.

An injury resulted in three neck surgeries and the placement of a titanium rods in her lower back, making it impossible for her to continue her 20-year career as a professional cook.

Now the 62-year-old is on disability. Her mother, who will turn 90 next month, lives with her.

Kelso said without sharing expenses, neither would be able to get by.

“I’ve known about Fish for years but haven’t taken advantage of it until lately,” she said.

At a glance

Food banks

• To donate food, money or time to Linn-Benton Food Share, part of the Community Services Consortium, call 752-1010.

• To find a food pantry near you, visit www.csc.gen.or.us/food

share.htm and click “Need Help with Food?” for a complete listing.

About Fish

People may stop by the Fish office at 1880 S.E. Hill St. in Albany between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday or call 928-4460 to make an appointment.

Volunteers are always welcome to come pack food boxes, answer phones and distribute the goods. Those interested may call the Fish office to get on the schedule.