Unpacking Food Insecurity in Lane County: Join Us for an Insightful Three-Part Series

This article looks into who faces hunger in our community, what’s being done about it, and how our food assistance system operates.

What did your Thanksgiving dinner table look like? For some, it was sparse—or even empty. But hunger isn’t just a holiday issue; it affects daily life for many.

The face of hunger may surprise you. It can be a parent juggling multiple jobs, a man unsure of where he’ll sleep, or a college student struggling to get by. Hunger exists everywhere, even in our town.

Finding solutions isn’t simple, but numerous individuals are dedicated to making a difference. We teamed up with Lauren Kessler, an experienced author and journalist, to delve into the hunger issue in Lane County. Over months, Lauren traveled throughout the area, speaking with people lining up for meals in Eugene, visiting food pantries in towns like Mapleton and Oakridge, and working alongside volunteers who strive to help others.

The series takes an investigative approach, aiming to answer pressing questions:

• Who is experiencing hunger, and what are the causes? (Publishing Nov. 30)
• How is our community tackling this issue? (Publishing Dec. 6)
• How does the food assistance system function? (Publishing Dec. 13)

Unlike many articles, we haven’t named every individual we spoke with; some people are identified only by their first names to protect their privacy. Lauren invested significant time with each person, ensuring their stories are shared authentically.

Unfortunately, there’s often shame associated with being hungry. Many don’t want their neighbors to know they’re in need, and for some, revealing their identity could pose risks.

But their struggles are real, and so is the urgency to address them. Understanding these stories is crucial as many fight daily to secure food.

According to a recent survey by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, around 10.5% of American households faced food insecurity in 2021. This statistic highlights that hunger is a widespread issue, not confined to a particular group or area.

Our goal is to help shed light on these challenges facing our community. The need is critical, and the topic deserves attention. We’re making this series accessible to everyone, free of charge. We encourage support for available resources that aim to tackle this issue.

Ultimately, no one in our community should go hungry. In this season of giving, let’s consider how we can contribute to making a difference for those in need.

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