The Council has held discussions about social determinants of health and barriers to food access such as lack of transportation, has promoted community gardens and the dissemination of understandable, accurate information about different programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women and Infants and Children (WIC), and Double-up Bucks. A frequent concern has been how to combat the distrust and fear people experience, as they wonder whether applying for such programs could impact their legal status. Recent changes in public charge policies have exacerbated these fears
The Nutrition and Food Equity team wants to continue developing strategies and build advocacy skills to impact equitable health policies in Oregon.
Our NFE Council includes members from around Oregon who are interested in developing their advocacy skills and working on policies to enhance food equity for our Latine/x community members. Members vary from organizations to participants for our Abuela, Mama, y Yo classes. We advise, petition, influence and advocate numerous causes related to Nutrition and Food Equity on behalf of our Latine/x communities across Oregon.
Our Mission
Our mission is to develop strategies and build advocacy skills to impact equitable health policies in Oregon. Members who share knowledge on parenting, pregnancy, early childhood development, prenatal care, food equity, health disparities, and Latino/x/e community social services.
We believe that the Community Council can share this information through schools, churches, community centers, etc. We are confident that the Community Council is fully engaged and prepared to take action in the realm of health advocacy.
2022-2023 COUNCIL GOALS
- Create a project in Salem area around School Meals
- Collaborate with the David Douglas School District to address culturally appropriate lunches
- Continue our Know Your Food Rights around Food resources webinars
- Support food resources in rural and urban areas around Oregon
Our Accomplishments
2018
The Community Council conducted training sessions on epigenetics and the importance of nutrition during pregnancy. It has also revised the Abuela, Mamá y Yo Curriculum and participated in focus groups in Portland, Hermiston, and Woodburn. Furthermore, the Community Council has campaigned against Measure 105, which was ultimately defeated.
2019
The Community Council attended meetings to learn more about food assistance services such SNAP, WIC, and Double-Up Bucks and how they might be affected by public charge.
Received training on SNAP and made “secret shopper” visits to DHS offices with the purpose of evaluating customer service and learning more about the process.
Visited legislators and voice the importance of both housing and hunger as issues that affect our community, with emphasis on uninterrupted funding for food pantries.
2020 – Current
The Community Council attended, trained and facilitated Know Your Rights around Food Resources in Oregon throughout the state. Evaluated School Meals Program and hosted a focus group in the David Douglas School District. Continued developing our Abuela, Mama, y Yo curriculum.
We are currently looking for more members!
The council meets monthly via Zoom, for an hour, and are compensated with a stipend.
If you are interested in joining our council, please contact:
Alejandra Gurrola, alejandra@familiasenaccion.org