Nourishing Families: Rotary's Mission to Combat Food Insecurity in Bethel

In the heart of Eugene, Oregon, the Eugene Southtowne Rotary Club is leading a charge to ensure that low-income families in the Bethel School District have access to healthy, free meals. Through their monthly food box drive, the organization is making a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling to put food on the table.

Bridging the Gap: Rotary's Commitment to Feeding Families

Tackling the High Cost of Healthy Eating

Providing nutritious meals for a family can be a daunting task, especially for those facing financial constraints. Vickianne Kelly, a food box recipient and volunteer, shares her personal experience, "I just went to WinCo and spent $150 for a family of three for a week. And this here food ties my family to things I couldn't buy. That the difference between the have this food to keep our family sustained is incredibly important." The Rotary's food box drive aims to alleviate this burden, ensuring that families have access to the ingredients they need to prepare wholesome meals.

Delivering Nourishment and Joy

The food boxes provided by the Rotary Club are more than just a source of sustenance; they bring a sense of joy and empowerment to the recipients. Vickianne Kelly elaborates, "It takes a burden off of you knowing that there's tomatoes and apples. And every month there's always enough apples or bananas to make banana bread. And usually there's some kind of nut, a walnut or something to make muffins. Just that knowing that there's things that I can make that I enjoy giving my family, that I'm happy for them to eat, that I'm happy to eat. So it just makes it easier." The variety of ingredients allows families to get creative in the kitchen, fostering a sense of culinary pride and nourishing both body and soul.

Reaching Families in Need

The Rotary Club's food box drive is a well-coordinated effort, working closely with the Bethel School District and Head Start programs to identify families in need. Yadira Flores, a bilingual assistant in the Bethel School District, shares her experience, "I've also been able to use some of these food boxes myself and our family and also in the community. So the families and myself are really grateful and thankful to be able to use these food boxes. I personally deliver either three or five for our program and I take them to the school that I work and either families can meet me there or we deliver whatever is easier for the families. Providing that additional either delivery or removing that barrier from families is a huge benefit for them." This commitment to accessibility ensures that the food boxes reach those who need them most, regardless of transportation or mobility challenges.

A Volunteer-Driven Endeavor

The success of the Rotary's food box drive is a testament to the dedication of its volunteers. With over 40 individuals lending their time and effort, the organization is able to provide these essential resources to more than 90 families each month. Bethel School District bilingual assistant Yadira Flores emphasizes the impact of this volunteer-driven initiative, "Providing that additional either delivery or removing that barrier from families is a huge benefit for them." The Rotary's commitment to serving the community is evident in the countless hours their volunteers invest in ensuring that no family is left behind.

A Lasting Impact

The Rotary's food box drive is more than just a monthly event; it's a lifeline for families in the Bethel School District. Vickianne Kelly's words capture the profound difference it makes, "It takes a burden off of you knowing that there's tomatoes and apples. And every month there's always enough apples or bananas to make banana bread. And usually there's some kind of nut, a walnut or something to make muffins. Just that knowing that there's things that I can make that I enjoy giving my family, that I'm happy for them to eat, that I'm happy to eat. So it just makes it easier." By providing a consistent source of healthy, free meals, the Rotary is empowering families to nourish themselves and their loved ones, creating a lasting impact on the community.