Join the Conversation: City Club’s Forum Tackles Food Insecurity in Our Community | MyCentralOregon.com – Horizon Broadcasting Group, LLC

The City Club of Central Oregon is hosting a forum titled “Together at the Table: A Community Conversation on Food Insecurity.” This event takes place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon.

Food insecurity is a pressing issue, even as our economy grows. Many people in Central Oregon—including children, seniors, and working families—struggle to get enough to eat. The forum will discuss how rising food prices and changing support for food assistance impact our community. More importantly, it will showcase creative solutions that local organizations are implementing.

Expert voices at the forum will include:

• Ranae Staley, Executive Director, The Giving Plate
• Lindsey Stailing, Director, Patient Support Services, Mosaic Community Health
• Audrey Tehan, Founder and Executive Director, Seed to Table

Carly Auten, the Food Project Director at NeighborImpact, will moderate the discussion. Key topics include:

• The root causes of food insecurity
• The number of people affected in Central Oregon
• How food insecurity impacts education, healthcare, and economics
• Innovative solutions and collaborations happening locally

Participants will gain valuable insights on food insecurity and learn ways to help. The event also features a food drive, in partnership with First Interstate Bank, encouraging attendees to bring non-perishable food items or fill bags at the event for donation.

Tickets include lunch and are available on the City Club website.

If cost is an issue, complimentary registration is available using the code CivicCO. This is possible thanks to grants from St. Charles Health System and The PacifiCorp Foundation.

Food insecurity is not just a local problem but a nationwide issue. According to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 34 million Americans faced hunger in 2021. This health crisis affects physical and mental well-being, education, and community stability.

Staying informed and engaged in community discussions like this forum can make a difference. Together, we can explore solutions and create a supportive environment for everyone.

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