Young people can help, too!

Volunteer at a local Food Bank or meal program, sorting or serving food. The Oregon Food Bank can help you find a local program.

Organize a food drive at your school. What about setting up contests between grades or classes to raise the most donations?

Organize donations of unused food and toiletries at college dormitories at the end of the year.

Write articles on hunger for their local newspaper or school newspaper on hunger, low wages and how programs like Food Stamps and school meals can help.

Write letters to editor about hunger in their school/community and how adults and other kids can help.

Visit or write your legislators -- even though you can't vote yet, your perspectives are unique and your legislators will listen to what you have to say.  Learn more at our Legislative page.

Organize a community garden at your school or talk to your school about creating a farm to school project so that your school buys produce directly from local growers. The Oregon Food Bank can help with finding local resources, and feel free to call us at 503-595-5502.

Talk to your school's Food Service Program employees to find out if there is anyway for you and your fellow students to get involved in school meals program; maybe by helping plan meals, advertising programs, or contributing in other ways. For more information about Child Nutrition programs, visit our outreach page.

Start a discussion with school staff, the school board, or your student council about the availability of pop, candy, and other snack foods at your school.

Organize a workshop or conference with local speakers on hunger and poverty for students in your school or community. Contact us at 503-595-5502 for more assistance.

Talk to your friends about hunger and poverty and what it means to your community. Visit the online poverty tour for some basic information.  Encourage them to be sensitive to other students who don't have much money and are getting free meals or other help. Speak up for other kids who are being teased about it.