Inside this issue:  Dining Room Serves More than Food, July 29 Benefit for Gardens Program and Huerto de la Familia, Payday Loan Reform, Empty Bowls Project and more

Dining Room Serves Up Dignity with Dinner

For 5-year-old Annda and her parents, FOOD for Lane County's Dining Room in Eugene offers more than a meal. There are fresh flowers and a newspaper on every table and a craft corner where Annda and other children can gather to create cards for family and friends. Diners experience a warm, welcoming place to sit, relax and enjoy a meal together. "The Dining Room is about more than food," said Dinner Program Manager Josie McCarthy. "It's about connecting with another human being."

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Garden Fiesta and Benefit July 29

Join FOOD for Lane County and Huerto de la Familia (The Family Garden) for a Garden Fiesta and Benefit, Saturday, July 29, from 4:30pm to 8pm at Churchill Community Garden. The garden is located behind Kennedy Middle School at 2200 Bailey Hill Road. The evening will include music, art activities, games, Native American storytelling, food, a silent auction and garden tours. A $5 to $10 donation is suggested.

FOOD for Lane County Works for Payday Loan Reform

Payday loans cost cash-strapped, credit-poor Oregonians millions in triple-digit fees and drive families into a cycle of debt that further strips their scarce financial resources. A survey of payday loan customers found that 30% had taken out loans to buy groceries. Until recently, Oregon was one of only 8 states that did not regulate this industry. FOOD for Lane County joined a statewide effort to lobby for payday reform. Those efforts have resulted in payday loan reform legislation at the state and local levels that provide important protections for payday loan customers.

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Empty Bowl Events Raise $15,600 for Local Hunger Relief

Thank you to everyone who purchased and bid on bowls at our Empty Bowl Online Auction and Empty Bowl Sale this spring. Thanks to generous support from these Empty Bowl sponsors, all proceeds benefit FOOD for Lane County's local hunger relief efforts.

Become a Monthly Donor to FOOD for Lane County

Donating monthly is one of the most effective ways to support FOOD for Lane County. Regular monthly donations help donors balance their annual giving throughout the year and give FOOD for Lane County a steady source of support. Find out more.

Get Involved

FOOD for Lane County makes it easy! Harvest vegetables in one of our three gardens. Serve dinner at one of our two meal sites. Make lunches for children during the summer. Help organize an event or food drive. Click here for more ideas, or give us a call at (541) 343-2822.

Get the Dish

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