Editorials Sometimes, some of the best ideas come out of difficult situations. And the dismal economy during the past several years has created many difficult situations.
Among them is access to nutritious food options for those in need — people who have lost their jobs, are chronically unemployed, and even homeless. For these individuals, any meal rather than a healthy meal has become the priority.
Realizing this doesn’t have to be the case, local and regional non-profit groups and community-focused organizations have stepped in to lend a hand, and so far to great success — although more community support is needed.
This is the second year that “Churches in Partnership,” which includes St. John’s Presbyterian in Camas, and Columbia Presbyterian and First Presbyterian in Vancouver, has planted a garden at the Washington State University Extension. The vegetables raised at the site are distributed through the Clark County Food Bank. Last year, 18,900 pounds of produce were raised with 727 volunteer hours.
The Oregon Food Bank has a “Plant a Row” program that encourages that state’s residents who have gardens to plant an extra row of vegetables to be donated to those who might not otherwise be able to afford it. Last year, this effort generated nearly 80,000 pounds of produce.
