History

Oregon Hunger Task Force

The story of Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon begins back in 1989, when the Oregon State Legislature created the Oregon Hunger Task Force (ORS 458.532). At that time, Oregon ranked high for hunger among states, and the legislature declared that "All persons have the right to be free from hunger."

The 28-seat Task Force was directed to "serve as an advocate for hungry persons," studying the problem of hunger, making recommendations, and helping local communities implement changes.

Working with partners throughout Oregon, the Task Force has since worked to promote community awareness, compile research, develop proposals for government action, and conduct outreach to expand participation in nutrition programs.

Act to End Hunger

In 2004, the Task Force gathered input from Oregonians across the state to develop the Act to End Hunger, a broad framework to address the root causes of hunger. Outlining "40 ways in 5 years to make a difference," the Act to End Hunger provided a plan of action to reduce Oregon's hunger rank, one of the highest in the country.

The Act to End Hunger proved to be a critical organizing tool for anti-hunger advocates across the state. The urgency of the problem, and the opportunity for progress directed the members of the Oregon Hunger Task Force to launch a private non-profit organization (Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon) whose staff would directly support and help implement the recommendations of the Act to End Hunger.

Working together in 2010, Partners and the Task Force launched Ending Hunger Before it Begins: A Call to Action, which will guide our work for the next five years.