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The month of February has been designated for the Governor’s Food Drive for State Employees. On February 3rd, Portland State University will begin collecting food and monetary donations for the year’s Drive. Our support is critical to front-line service agencies such as food banks, shelters, and soup kitchens where there are sharp increases in requests for help without a corresponding increase in resources. During February, you will find Governor’s Food Drive donation barrels across campus.

PSU’s campaign is an opportunity for faculty, staff and students to respond to this need. All proceeds will benefit the Oregon Food Bank, a community-based non-profit organization that provides warehousing and other critical services for regional food banks. Oregon has one of the highest rates of hunger in the nation and last year 850,000 people received emergency food boxes from the Oregon Food Bank. Thirty-eight percent of those served were children.

Diane Sawyer and Farhad Khoshnahad are co-chairing the 2006 Food Drive for Portland State. If you have questions or would like to have a donation barrel in your area, please contact Diane at dianes@pdx.edu or 503-725-2655.

Most wanted foods include canned meats (tuna, chicken & salmon), canned and boxed meals (soup, chili, stew, macaroni & cheese) peanut butter, canned or dried beans and peas, pasta, rice and cereal, canned fruits and 100% fruit juice. Please do not donate glass-packaged foods, perishable or homemade foods. Non-food items such as toothbrushes, diapers, soap and other personal items are needed as well.

If you would like to make a monetary donation, the Oregon Food Bank makes efficient use of those funds. Checks should be made payable to the Oregon Food Bank and sent to Diane Sawyer (mail code PO). Receipts are available on request. Those interested in making a pledge or using a credit card should contact Diane for information.

Thank you for your generosity. Your support will make a real difference in the lives of Oregonians.