Governor Challenges Oregonians to Food Stamp Challenge

This year, the Food Stamp Program is being reauthorized at the federal level through the nutrition title of the farm bill.

(SALEM) - Governor Ted Kulongoski has challenged all Oregonians to join him and his wife, Mary Oberst, during “Hunger Awareness Week” from April 23rd-29th, and live off of an average food stamp budget of $21 per person for the week - or an average of $3 per day, per person.

“I challenge all Oregonians to experience first-hand what thousands of Oregon families go through everyday,” said Governor Kulongoski. “Budgeting just $1 a meal each day for food, and trying to make that food nutritious, is a difficult task that sadly is a reality for too many Oregonians and their families.”

Every April since he took office, the Governor has declared one week Hunger Awareness Week to educate Oregonians about Oregon’s hunger problem and to engage the public in becoming part of the solution.

“Many of us will never know what it’s like not to know where our next meal will come from or whether we’ll have enough food in the cupboard to make it through the week,” Governor Kulongoski continued. “My hope is that by participating in the food stamp challenge, Oregonians will gain a better understanding of what hundreds of thousands of Oregonians experience each month as they try to afford meet their families’ basic needs – transportation, housing, child care, health care – and food.”

For 30 years, the Food Stamp Program has been America’s first line of defense against hunger and food insecurity.

Each month, over 425,000 Oregonians use food stamps to provide meals for their families at home – generating $855 million of economic activity.

That economic activity supports grocers, farmers’ markets, and communities across the state — contributing toward increased job security, strong wages, business profits and economic vitality.

This year, the Food Stamp Program is being reauthorized at the federal level through the nutrition title of the farm bill.

In addition to adequate funding for the program, the governor next week while in Washington D.C. will be asking Oregon’s congressional delegation to fight against threats to the program coming from the federal administration.

In addition to the food stamp challenge, Governor Kulongoski will be participating in events throughout Hunger Awareness Week highlighting Oregon’s hunger problem and the progress the state is making to address it.

To sign-up to participate in the Food Stamp Challenge email the Oregon Food Bank at advocacy@oregonfoodbank.org.

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Sayer April 16, 2007 5:58 pm (Pacific time)

Let me correct the below stats: It's #### out of 100,000 population. Sorry 'bout that. Though I see that I should have included Virginia. What a horrible tragedy. Prayers.

Sayer April 16, 2007 8:51 am (Pacific time)

When liberals are in charged of not just cities, but larger political units, crime starts to tick up. 2004-2005 DOJ stats by state: Violent crimes Per 1000 citizens... 460 per 1000 MA citizens (The state with strict gun laws and all sorts of special legislation, the thickest state constitution of any of the US states) 140 per 1000 NH citizens (where there are hardly any gun laws or specialized legislation, but very low crime) Crime is often a social byproduct of its own environment, and liberals, beyond any doubt create an environment where crime soars. On the other hand, when conservative "values" are used (look at even a very blue state like Vermont and their low crime rate--it's because of strong conservative values as per the 2nd Amendment). Reagan easily won this state, people want his kind of leadership once again. I believe it's time to do a draft Cheney process. Let's start here right now folks. How about you Hank, you wanna hop on board our train of "Take America back?" Haha

Murphy April 16, 2007 7:29 am (Pacific time)

So go live with the Bushmen. Reagan easily won all his elections, suffice the vast majority are obviously more in tune with reality than you. Can you even see the irony of Devlin giving the Key to the Black Panthers, easily the most racist and clannish group in America. They have morphed into the New Black Panthers with over 55 chapters. Their late mentor , and it's on video, told his racist'members: "Go to the cemetaries, dig up whitey, and kill'em again." These haters have joined with several different groups associated with those of similar hate-mindedness, with a primary aim of harming a lot of people. They are being watched, as they should be. Hopefully when Bush is gone, say someone Like President Cheney can deal with these hater's in a more thoughtful fashion.

Albert Marnell April 15, 2007 10:15 pm (Pacific time)

Maybe you like him because he had an Irish name. I still do not see why he would get credit for...you know. I get along very well with people from Ireland. It is interesting that since I was a kid, I have had a consistant problem (not all of the time) with people that refer to themselves as "Irish Americans". When Bernadette Devlin came to the U.S. she was given the key to the city of New York, but after she had so many meetings with people that called themselves "Irish Americans", she gave the key to the Black Panthers because she was disgusted with the narrow-mindedness of most of the Irish Americans that she met and there clannishness and racism. So I have alot in common from real Irish people. As far as majority votes in this country, it is only possible to get the publicity needed to be President if you back the agenda of the largest special interest groups otherwise you do not get the campaign contributions needed. So it is all about money and visibility which comes from not who is best but who gets the most bucks in for the self-promotion of being a President. The system here is as unfair as Putin's Russia.

Murphy April 15, 2007 6:22 pm (Pacific time)

No doubt I am a big Reagan fan. The largest presidential landslide vote in our history pretty well documents that I'm in the majority along with the 49 states he won. What percentage of the vote did Clinton get? As far as the Berlin Wall being torn down, well what year did Reagan get sworn in, oh yeah, 1981, and what year was it torn down? Marnell I've seen your posts on this site. Appears you dislike anyone and everyone who doesn't drink out of the same kool aid container. They say ignorance is, well what is it they say? My fathers side of the family is Irish, and they came to the states in the early 1700's. My mother's side documents relatives on the Mayflower. No she is not Irish, but I still love her, even though she claims a Scottish Tartan and is not Catholic. I also predict that President Bush, in the fullness of time, will be acknowledged at having done the right thing that the United Nations mandate called for.

Hank Ruark April 15, 2007 5:36 pm (Pacific time)

Sayer: Third-shot Concept: Challenged you to ID-self to Editor, supplied you with Stockman-Reagan facts, gave you opportunity to reply re Cheney, Wolfowitz, et al --\no response and you still hide behind obvious-anon name... SO Goodby, Sir...waste of time and whatever talent...others deserve better use of space.

Albert Marnell April 15, 2007 5:02 pm (Pacific time)

I had met so many people that had come out of Europe before the Berlin Wall came down. It had become relatively easy to leave east Europe. No one was happier that it was taken down because I remember construction started on my mother's birthday in 1961 and she was very upset. How anyone can credit Reagan....I do not get it? Read history even that awful wikipedia before giving such a strong point of view. All Reagan did was make a speech knowing way before hand that the dismantling was about to be in Nov. 1989. He was just grand standing to make it look as if he had something to do with it. What a jerk of a President he was, right up there with the George W. It was the same thing as when G.W.B. landed on the aircraft carrier for a photo opportunity.....another phoney.

Hank Ruark April 15, 2007 3:53 pm (Pacific time)

Murph: Forgot to invite you to ID-self with Editor for direct contact, so I can supply source and documentation backup for my statements. Disclosure: O'Ruarks of Brefni have long-standing feud with O'Reillys...you related to those other Irish yokels ?

Hank Ruark April 15, 2007 3:15 pm (Pacific time)

Friend Murph: You mistake simple statement of historical fact, from authoritative sources, for "analysis". That's typical of some segments emgaged in political discourse; see Orwell words. With practice, and guidance from experiences as here, you may learn to distinguish --and thus truly appreciate --which is which and why. To deny and defy historical fact when openly reported, with no offsetting source or documentation, is to leave your credibility in shreds, as if really only "belly-button feeling".

Albert Marnell April 15, 2007 3:14 pm (Pacific time)

Sayer, I am Henry Clay Ruark's son. Did you figure that out by matching our last names? There are far more people out there like Henry and I. We are the silent majority. I do not always agree with Mr. Ruark but always treat him with respect. Thank God I do not live next to you. How do your neighbors stand it. I suspect you are always starting up with people and have a smug attitude with all. It just surfaces here because it is a safe place for you to hide.

Hank Ruark April 15, 2007 1:20 pm (Pacific time)

George Orwell stated it well a long time ago: "Political language. . . is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind". Apply it here as your own head-and-heart tell you is true.

Murphy April 15, 2007 1:20 pm (Pacific time)

It seems that those who don't like Reagan are in the minority here in the U.S. of A. As far as the Soviet Union eventually being destroyed from within, well that's pretty gosh darn irrelevant now isn't it. Appears that some just don't like conservatives and their anger sure nuff comes thru. So saying something that happened would happen anyway, well, so what's the timeline, and who wants to take a chance that they be wrong. Pretty silly analysis.

Tim King April 15, 2007 12:36 pm (Pacific time)

I'm getting sick of the direct insults, they are non productive and childish. I left the last one up but the next one with name calling gets flushed.

Sayer April 15, 2007 12:27 pm (Pacific time)

Tim, what happened? You didn't like me pointing out the democratic presidential histories and war? Ruark is not the most objective pinko Ive ever encountered, but certainly the most anti-American. He is one major loser. Is Marnell his kid?

Hank Ruark April 15, 2007 11:19 am (Pacific time)

To all: Time we return to focuse of this STORY. So consider this my personal challenge to TRY same-diet as Gov.K, on which others must now fully subsist. Honest Injun: Will report unless starvation drains all energies...!! Meanwhile sincerely seek your return to focus-here on THE STORY, without side-trips to every possible political, social exploration. IF you so-driven, start yr own blog...might even succeed.

Hank Ruark April 15, 2007 11:12 am (Pacific time)

Murphy: Most authorities now agree that collapse of communism was forced by internal rot and inhuman rage of leaders, inevitable without impractical intervention from outside.

Murphy April 15, 2007 10:56 am (Pacific time)

Right on to those who support Reagan. I liver in California whae he was governor. Super leader, best governor we ever had. As President, no one comes close in helping the economy and look what he did to Russia.

Hank Ruark April 15, 2007 9:31 am (Pacific time)

Sayer: Await your ID so can contribute more for your renewed learnings. OR do you suggest that sources-cited are all merely more "liberal" lavishments mean to manipulate and contrive what is surely reality today ?

Hank Ruark April 15, 2007 9:23 am (Pacific time)

To all: Final injection of relentless realism re "gradiosity" and its consequences: "See also" NEW YORKER 4/9, pp.36-51, detailing Wolfowitz as he really is, by John Cassidy, NYORKER staff writer.

Albert Marnell April 15, 2007 8:33 am (Pacific time)

Hank, I get hooked into persiflage also. You are not alone. I will not do it anymore. If someone wants information and is willing to learn than effort is worth it. What seems to be a reasonable dialogue can just be a neurotic trap.

Hank Ruark April 15, 2007 7:39 am (Pacific time)

To all: "..And the truth shall make you free" ! "See also" Sunday edition copy of PARADE Magazine "What People Earn"; here's subheads from article: "Most Americans didn't see the long economic boom reflected in their paychecks." "The salary gains of the last five years have gone to the highest-paid workers." "High Anxiety Among Workers" "The Rich Get Richer". 'Nuff said ? Don't be taken in any longer by political persiflage no matter what kind of boloney is used for wrap.

Hank Ruark April 15, 2007 7:26 am (Pacific time)

To all: Perfect finale for this thread, now well off focus on story, is B.C. "comic strip" in Sunday editions. Applies well to Sayer et al and also to current Legislative session. "See with own eyes" for real impact --then review Op Ed !

Hank Ruark April 15, 2007 7:01 am (Pacific time)

To all: Grandiosity is symptom of psychological aberration. "See with own eyes" this one updating all on Stockman, Reagan money-man, now under indictment for one that got past him, too far. Note Laffer assessment; he should understand how reading napkin upside down falls out. Report is from NYTimes, constant source for our Op Eds which also surveil more so-called "conservative" sites than "liberal", for good reason --warnings vs more of those ongoing "dirty tricks". www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/business/15stockman.html?pagewanted=2and_r=1andthandemc=th

Albert Marnell April 14, 2007 10:54 pm (Pacific time)

Great summary comment on Reagan Hank! I remember those years all too well and you are correct, that type are all back. I have nothing but bad memories of the Rain of Reagan. Spelling deliberate.

Hank Ruark April 14, 2007 9:23 pm (Pacific time)

Sayer: Per usual routine here: ID-self to Editor and I'll send you pound or two of CD and PDF documentation for all statements re Reagan era, 2nd worst in our history.

Hank Ruark April 14, 2007 9:15 pm (Pacific time)

To all: Reagan-royalists continue to read that napkin upside down. They forget huge deficits, 20 years to make up for them; Rumsfeld/Cheney/Wolfowitz, Norquist and Abramson then, all back again NOW... SO it's all Bush-wa...with neo/con powder sprinkled all over it, costing more billions and many deaths now...with Stockman indicted, Wolfowitz to be fired for"dear-one"deal in World Bank; Cheney facing perjury charge and more re "lost" e-mail mess. Nixon was piker vs this ongoing crowd, comparatively speaking, "honest" more of the time. Enjoy yr fantasy re actor playing role while someone pulled his puppet strings from plush corporate offices...then read reality-consequences in Op Ed now running. For every worker with stock holdings now, there's another two or three seeking low-pay service job for good work now gone overseas via "free trade" started-then, destroying some of our neighbors North and South, creating desperate situations driving them here.

Albert Marnell April 14, 2007 8:48 pm (Pacific time)

Reagan was a piece of shot that lived in a movie fantasy. I could tell he was senile when he was elected. Why do you think Jane Wyman dumped him? He was stupid compared to her. He always used to use Hollywood movie babble in his speeches and the stupid ass public, most of them, fell for it.....maybe though, now that we know what we know about elections in the United States, he may have had a Catherine Harris.

Sayer April 14, 2007 6:29 pm (Pacific time)

Hank: It was Reagan's supply side economic ideas -- the policy of marginal rate tax cuts, a strong dollar, trade globalization (the Gipper started NAFTA with a U.S.-Canadian free trade agreement), deregulation of key industries like energy, financial services and transportation, and a re-armed military -- all of which unleashed a great wave of entrepreneurial-technological innovation that transformed and restructured the economy, resulting in a long boom prosperity that continues to throw off economic benefits to this day. In 1982, the Dow Jones Industrial Average swooned to its nadir of 800. Over the rest of the Reagan years the market more than tripled. In the 1990s it would nearly quadruple (to 12,000 today). During the 1982-2000 Reagan bull market stocks soared by 12 percent per year, raising the net worth of U.S. households by some $30 trillion. To match this performance over the next 20 years, the Dow-Jones would have to soar to about 120,000 by 2020. If Washington politicians do no harm, and stay on Reagan's road, even this outsized dream remains possible. Today, over 80 million Americans own stocks. This new Investor Class, which has become the invisible hand of politics, proves that Karl Marx is both dead and wrong. In present day America it is the workers who own the means of production. And they will vote their portfolios as well as their pocketbooks in future elections.

Sayer April 14, 2007 6:24 pm (Pacific time)

This is real simple Hank. Look at the numbers as per what was going on in the economy during Carter's debacle, then look what happened during Reagans administration. Is that too hard to do, or do you prefer discussing meaningless statements of various personalities. Remember the same time we had this great economy, recall what we had to overcome, e.g. , not only Carter's mess, but destroying the Soviet Union. What was it that cueball Carville said "It's the economy stupid"

Hank Ruark April 14, 2007 2:24 pm (Pacific time)

Sayer: Dr. Laffer, who drew original "supply-side curve" on that lunch-napkin, when challenged in Chicago "Could the napkin have been upside-down when Stockman read it ?" --refused to answer. I know, since I asked him face-to-face...you ever met him, or Stockman ?

Hank Ruark April 14, 2007 2:11 pm (Pacific time)

Say-er: Stockman was Reagan money-numbers man. Here's quote from his book "Why The Reagan Revolution Failed": "None of us really understands what's going on with these numbers". He was there, then; where were you ? You still snorting same stuff they sprinkled on all 'way back then...

Sayer April 14, 2007 10:55 am (Pacific time)

Recovering from supply-side economics? You seem to be confused about what a wonderful economy came out of Reagan's economic programs, considering what he had to overcome. It continued under Clinton, only because the democrats could not raise taxes because the adults were in charged. (Oregon's economic future will be quite damaged by our current leadership, count on it!). It was actually Carter and the democratic congress that caused severe injury to our economy, then Reagan allowed us to recover from their debacle, while at the same time defeating the Soviet Union. The youngsters, 45 and below would have no way to really understand the dynamics, at least they should have a chance to learn what an absolute savior Reagan was not only to my country, but the world. Missing e-mails, you on the left are really reaching, but for what, and what is your real agenda? Regarding Bush firing the AG's, so what!That's his executive mandated right! Were you all upset when literally hundreds (that's right "hundreds!") of Clinton's staff took the 5th, and then you had all those missing documents. How about those 900 plus FBI files (how many did they already review?) they got caught with? Did you on the left moan about that? How about Sandy Berger's buddy Schwartz selling the gyro's to China (now they have ICBM's that can hit any place on the planet. Also what Berger stole many people are serving life for stealing far less. Why? Was there some deal? I could go on and on, but you would just ignore facts, that's what the left does. May I suggest a re-reading of CRY WOLF, put that fable into perspective.

Hank Ruark April 14, 2007 10:31 am (Pacific time)

Hopefully awaiting response to story: Challenge to try diet forced upon others. BUT will probably starve before some stick-to-focus. Start yr own blog for political persiflage rather than abuse time/patience of others here. Try 3-Shot Concept for response to any one other perpetrator...works fine for me most of the time !

Hankburger Helper April 13, 2007 7:19 pm (Pacific time)

Hank has a present, Hank has a present, neh,neh,neh,neh, neh. Is it big? Is it sleak? Is it pink? I know, it's a New Corvette! Does anyone know what time it is?

Hankburger Helper April 13, 2007 7:12 pm (Pacific time)

Sooth is not Jerking his leash, he is Jerking his off. There is a difference you know. I read it in Good Housekeeping Magazine.

Sooth April 13, 2007 6:18 pm (Pacific time)

Ted needs to be put under oath and respond to some very pointed questions regarding his reponsibility as an officer of the court. He is unfit for his position! Send your material to me at Mr. Airborne c/o Freerepublic.com. Maybe peruse that site and learn something about America and clear thinking Americans.

Hank Ruark April 13, 2007 4:23 pm (Pacific time)

Sooth: Who's jerking YOUR leash ? Yr stuff sounds like it's happening. Best way to improve any remaining credibility is to ID-self to Editor; I have something very special to send ONLY to you.

Sooth April 13, 2007 12:01 pm (Pacific time)

Ted, is he running for something? Maybe some Federal judgeship? Strange dude, no wonder Neil Goldschmidt keeps him on a short leash.

Albert Marnell April 13, 2007 11:37 am (Pacific time)

Worry about corporate welfare. That is where most of your dollars are going. The poor are just used as a scape goat. Very few recepients abuse the system and you do not want to make it harder on them then it is. A little food....big deal! But you don't worry about the hundreds of billions being wasted in Iraq as we become the mass murderers of the 21st century. The average soldier has been so brainwashed and is so young they are not at fault and do not know the real reason that we are there. By the way Condosleeza, take a hike with all of you platitudes and B.S. one liners. Drop dead!

Hey JAFO April 13, 2007 11:29 am (Pacific time)

Bangladesh; great frame of reference. Is that who you look towards for a model of the U.S.?

JAFO; April 13, 2007 2:54 am (Pacific time)

yes, sounds perfectly logical doesn't it?.,in Bangladesh they shake their heads in disbelief! I prophesy; that when Hoagie hears that same lady at the head of the check out counter start to sing., the game is over!

Jealous? April 12, 2007 10:20 pm (Pacific time)

When you are short on food you worry about not getting enough calories so you buy things that make you fat because you are scared that if you don't you might die!

Hogie April 12, 2007 4:00 pm (Pacific time)

One overly fat lady ahead of me purchased an entire box of Nestle Crunch Ice Cream bars and Häagen-Dazs super premium ice cream with her food stamps. Oh yea, and then she climbed into her jacked up 4x4 Ford pick up.

Anonymous April 12, 2007 9:20 am (Pacific time)

So he's going to take bologna sandwiches to work? No special lunches with dignitaries? That's hard to believe, but I hope it's true. Now if Bush would take the lead... but of course, he doesn't even KNOW anyone who uses food stamps to feed their children. At least Ted will give it a shot.

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Governor Challenges Oregonians to Food Stamp Challenge

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