LETTER: Why compassionate giving matters more than ever to overcome food security

Published 8:45 am Wednesday, January 15, 2025

I’m asking you to give your time, energy, or money to help those facing food insecurity. During my time working with a food pantry, I was alarmed to find organizations that have the ability, but not the capacity to cast a wider net in their area. As someone who grew up living paycheck to paycheck and often unable to afford necessities, I understand firsthand the importance of compassion from strangers.

What would be helpful is if corporations and individuals would give not just what they are comfortable with, but to reimagine and reevaluate what resources they can provide without being limited by a perception of needs. What I mean by this is when we think about food boxes, what comes to mind? Typically, a box full of cans of green beans, corn, and peanut butter. But imagine how someone would feel to receive a box whose contents were like what one would choose for themselves. The disparity of an inadequate gift is dehumanizing. On the one hand, you’re grateful for the resource, but on the other, you’re immediately aware of the insufficiency.

Providing food addresses today’s issues, but what is also needed is a solution to the root causes of hunger. I urge everyone to give as many resources as possible and for lawmakers to support the Food for All Oregonians bill this legislative session to reduce inequity in our communities.

Caleb Butler

Southeast Portland

Portland Open Bible Community Pantry