Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 19, 2012)
News Selena Fresh continued from page 9 continued from page 1 PHOTO BY TONY FELGUEIRAS : WIKIMEDIA COMMONS and concerned community members. In 2010 it expanded to the Buckman Portland Farmers Market. This year, Fresh Exchange has extended to the Northwest Portland Farmers Market and increased the amount of money it will match. With the recent opening of a market in the Kenton neighborhood, even more shoppers will have access to the program. SNAP benefits are distributed through Oregon Trail Cards, which work like debit cards. Portland Farmers Markets debit the cards in exchange for $1 tokens that can be used at vendor stalls. Selena Gomez performing Who Says at the 2011 Much Music Video Awards people share? SG: Drive. KW: The Michael Ealy question: If you could meet anyone who has passed on, who would it be? SG: Marilyn Monroe. KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps? SG: You have to love what you do. You really have to be passionate about it, and you can’t let anyone else get you down. KW: The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered? SG: For my work. KW: Thanks again for the time, Selena, and best of luck with Hotel Transylvania. SG: Thank you so much, Kam. We honor the many accomplishments of African Americans. It is our primary goal as a labor union to better the lives of all people working in the building trades through advocacy, civil demonstration, and the long-held belief that work- ers deserve a "family wage" - fair pay for an honest day's work. A family wage, and the benefits that go with it, not only strength- ens families, but also allows our communities to become stronger, more cohesive, and more responsive to their citizens' needs. Our family wage agenda reflects our commitment to people working in the building trades, and to workers everywhere. In this small way, we are doing our part to help people achieve the American Dream. This dream that workers can hold dear regard- less of race, color, national origin, gender, creed, or religious beliefs. The Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters Representing more than 5.000 construction workers in Oregon State. Do you want to know more about becoming a Union carpenter? Page 10 The Portland Skanner September 19, 2012 each market, since the program’s incep- tion, highlights the necessity of Fresh Exchange. 2.3 percent of customers at the King neighborhood market were using SNAP cards in 2009. Now, over seven percent are using SNAP. The Northwest Portland Farmers Market only had 1.75 percent using SNAP last year. Since they started matching this year, there are now over 12 percent using SNAP. Tolliver says this market is really popular for seniors. Lastly, the Buckman market only had Through Fresh Exchange, the market will provide SNAP shoppers with a dollar-for-dollar match of up to an additional $7. For example, if someone uses $5 worth of tokens, they will receive an additional $5. If a person spends $10, they’ll get an additional $7 Through Fresh Exchange, the market will provide SNAP shoppers with a dollar- for-dollar match of up to an additional $7. For example, if someone uses $5 worth of tokens, they will receive an additional $5. If a person spends $10, they’ll get an addi- tional $7. Tolliver says that the program is both beneficial to shoppers and vendors. “A lot of the vendors, farmers in partic- ular, who in many instances are low-income themselves, have more funds because they are making more sales,” she says. “It puts fresh food on peoples’ plates and money in farmers’ pockets.” According to their statistics, the Port- land Famers Market has seen roughly a doubling of SNAP shoppers in the last year. The increase has been most dramatic in places with an exchange program. Tolliver says the increase of usage in 5.5 percent using SNAP in 2010. Now, 9.84 percent are using the benefits. Tolliver says people can help the pro- gram expand by telling their friends and donating, if possible. “It’s great just to spread the word that if people know anyone who is a recipient of SNAP benefits, let them know they can bring their SNAP card to pretty much any Famers Markets in the region,” she says. “Talk to your friends.” “For those who are not using SNAP, consider helping out a neighbor or com- munity member who does. They can make a donation to the Portland Farmer’s Mar- ket Fund and help people increase their buying power and help farmers sell more produce.” For more information on Fresh Exchange, go to the Portland Farmers Market website. ONLINE mobile at theskannermobile.com desktop at www.theskanner.com •LOCAL NEWS •NATIONAL NEWS •JOBS & BIDS •CLASSIFIEDS •SPORTS •ENTERTAINMENT •MUSIC REVIEWS •BULLETIN BOARD •RSS FEEDS •MOVIE REVIEWS •BULLETIN BOARD
