FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2004
CONTACT: Holly Wilkalis, Program Coordinator, (503) 267-1698

Report Finds Oregon Struggling to Feed Hungry Children During the Summer
Oregon's Inclusion in Pilot Program May Bring Improvement in 2005

The full report is available on-line at http://www.frac.org/School_Breakfast_Report/2004/Report.pdf

Portland, OR - July 22, 2004 - According to a report released today by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), Oregon has fallen further behind the rest of the nation in providing free summertime lunches to low-income children.

In this annual publication, entitled "Hunger Doesn't Take a Vacation: Summer Nutrition Status Report," FRAC examines state trends in summer lunch programs for children. In 2003, Oregon ranked 36th nationally in the number of children served by the Summer Food Service Program, compared to 24th nationally in 2002.

Oregon sponsors served lunches to approximately 22,982 children in July 2003, a 14.8% decrease from the 26,987 served in July 2002. Participation nationwide fell only 1.3%.

Patti Whitney-Wise, Executive Director of the Oregon Hunger Relief Task Force, explains, "We believe the decrease is due in part to budget cuts and the elimination of the summer school and recreation programs that are most effective at reaching children. With our struggling economy and high hunger rates, we do not believe this indicates a decrease in need."

However, Oregon's recent inclusion in the Summer Food Service Program's Lugar pilot brings hope for future improvement. FRAC's analysis found a 13.1% average increase in children served in Lugar pilot states. The pilot is expected to expand access to the program by making it easier for schools, non-profits, and other sponsors to participate. The provisions offered by this pilot will take effect in summer 2005.

Hunger advocates statewide can thank Oregon's Congressional delegation for the change, particularly Senators Smith and Wyden and Representative Wu, who worked hard in recent months to see Oregon added to the pilot program. Joyce Dougherty, Child Nutrition Program Director for Oregon Department of Education, says, "We are excited to have the Lugar pilot in Oregon. It will help ease the financial and administrative burden of sponsors who offer the Summer Food Service Program. This is a win-win for the children in Oregon."

The Summer Food Service Program provides free meals to children aged 18 and under. Funding is provided by the US Department of Agriculture. Meal sites are located in high need areas, usually defined as neighborhoods where 50% or more of the children are eligible for free or reduced price school meals. Although the program is designed primarily to serve low-income families, no application is necessary and any child can participate.