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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (July 25, 2012)
Food EMO continued from page 1 include farmer tables (farmer sells produce before or after a service), community supported agriculture and a wholesale buying club. Through these partnerships IFFP strives to increase access to healthy, affordable produce for everyone. Some of the ways that IFFP works towards this is by encouraging the farmers we work with to apply for an EBT machine to be able to accept SNAP (formerly food stamps), WIC (Women Infant and Children) checks, and senior’s coupons. We also encourage congregations to think up ways to buy extra produce for a food pantry or community meal or offer a CSA share to a low-income family at a reduced rate. Along with supporting low-income families, these partnerships also provide a relatively low-risk opportunity for farmers who face the challenges of starting up a new business and/or language barriers, to gain a new market and build relationships with a caring customer base. TSN: How many people are you working to impact with this project? And is there a way that the different communi- ties ever come together within the program? EMO: This year we are facilitating farmer tables with five congregations within the Portland Metro Area, along with a buying club at a congregation in north Portland. We encourage each of the congregations participating to also get the word out to their surrounding community. The con- gregations participating vary in size from a hundred mem- bers to over a thousand members. We hope to create a space where the surrounding community and congregation mem- bers can come together, making the farm to congregation partnerships a source of healthy food as well as connection. In the past we have held a year end get together for all the participating congregations and farmers to meet each other and celebrate the season. We also organize field trips to visit with our farmers and learn about their farms and farming practices. TSN: The EMO has for many years organized unique service programs that connect communities of varying faiths. Is there a way that diet, wellness and faith go togeth- er? EMO: IFFP strives to promote the connection between food and faith. From eating nutritious food to keep our bod- ies-temples of the Divine- healthy to making informed deci- sions to support farming practices that keep our land and water healthy, faith and food go hand in hand. As people of faith we are also taught to care for the most vulnerable among us. Working to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, healthy, locally and sustainably grown food while at the same time ensuring farmers are able to make a living wage is one of the ways we can do this. We better serve our Creator when we are healthy, and our faith centers make it more possible for members and neighbors to live a healthy life. TSN: How can The Skanner News readers support your See FOOD on page 7 SUB-BIDS REQUESTED Tacoma Water Green River Filtration Facility Project Bid Package #10: Screw Presses (Purchase Equipment Only) Prebid Meeting and Site Visit: July 19, 2012 at 11:00am Bids Due: July 31, 2012 at 2:00pm HOFFMAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY OF WASHINGTON Bid Phone: (206) 286-6697 Fax: (206) 286-7523 1505 Westlake Ave N, Suite 500 Seattle, WA 98109 LIC # HOFFMCC164NC We are an equal opportunity employer and request sub bids from all interested firms including disad- vantaged, minority, women, disabled veterans and emerging small business enterprises. Other Subcontracting Opportunities - Internet http://www.hoffmancorp.com 7-25-12 Page 6 The Portland Skanner July 25, 2012
