News You Can Use
July 2nd, 2010
Network Meeting
We’re currently in the process of planning our next Network meeting for August. We have it planned for either the 19th or the 26th of August. Both are a Thursday. If you will contact Morgan Filbert at mfilbert (at) orcca (dot) us or at 541-888-7297 and let him know which would work for you we will try to accommodate the most number of people.
Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program
The Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program gives seniors and women who qualify for WIC (Women, Infant and Children Special Supplemental Nutrition Program) a way to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers. Seniors and women who enroll in the program receive checks that can be used at Farmers Markets or Farm Stands. This is a way to get fresh produce to people with limited incomes, and to support local farmers.
Who is eligible?
Low-income women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Families of children between 6 months and 5 years of age that have a health or nutrition risk (the same who are eligible for WIC benefits).
Seniors 60 years or older who meet the following qualifications:
- Receiving Medicaid or SNAP benefits as of April 1st
- Not living in a facility that provides meals
- Monthly income below $1,219 for a single person or below $1640 for a couple
- There is not enough funding to give all low-income seniors and mothers of young children FDNP checks. The checks are therefore distributed on a first-come first-serve basis
- WIC participants receive checks at an appointment, a class, or at their local clinic
- Eligible seniors will receive a form in the mail in late May. To receive checks, they must sign and send back the bottom of the form.
- The checks are only good for locally grown whole produce, not value added products or out-of-state produce.
- For seniors: http://www.sfdnp.dhs.oregon.gov/
- For WIC participants: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/wic/fruitandveggie.shtml#vouchers_checks
And Just-less For All
Oregon Housing and Community Services is no longer contracting with the Fair Housing Council of Oregon to field complaints on their Civil Rights Hotline .
Therefore all Local Agencies are to remove and discard the tear-off sheets that were added to the Justice for All posters. (The FHCO hotline fielded only a few food related calls in the last year - all turned out to be customer service type - not discrimination.)
We ask that you stop using the "Volunteer Brochure" that contained the hotline complaint option until we can get a revised version out. Sheila Parkins will distribute stickers to apply to the Justice for All posters that will give additional options for filing complaints beyond the USDA office listed on the poster.
How to use a Potato (besides frying them)
Peel (or scrub well) and dice potatoes; steam or boil until tender, then add to:
- Hot Dishes: soups, scrambled eggs, stews and curries
- Cold Dishes (cool first): pasta or potato salads
- Side Dishes: sauté in a small amount of oil; season with garlic, onion, and your favorite herbs and spices
- Chili, grated cheese and salsa
- Sautéed vegetables (peppers, broccoli, onion are good); sprinkle with small amount of cheese
- Low fat or nonfat plain yogurt and small bits of leftover ham cooked with mushrooms and peppers
- Add a half or whole cup of mashed potatoes to pancake batter, muffin mix or quick bread recipe.
- Mix mashed potato with a little cheese and a raw egg; spread over a casserole dish full of stew, and bake until 165 degrees F and bubbly.
Monthly Activity Report Reminder
This is just a reminder that the monthly activity reports are due at the end of each month. Please make sure that Morgan receives them. He can be contacted at mfilbert (at) orcca (dot) us or at the SCFS Warehouse at 541-888-7297.
Got any great recipes? Pantry Tips or Tricks? Let us know and you might see it in the News You Can Use!
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