Coming together to feed the hungry

Despite an improving economy and rich agricultural diversity, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that nearly one in six Oregon families struggles to put food on the table. Through Mayor’s United, mayors throughout Jackson County come together to raise money and collect food donations to be divided up among the food pantries in their cities. Support for this important program is a way for Rogue Disposal & Recycling to help seniors, struggling families, and those who find themselves in need of food. Emergency food pantries throughout our area provide an excellent stop-gap measure to help ensure that no one goes hungry. When the mayors of Jackson County showed their hearts in creating this event, we were honored to come alongside their efforts.

Souping it up for a pair of good causes.

The inaugural Bowls of Hope event brought together artists and other community members to fight hunger and help with mental health services here in the Medford area — with proceeds benefitting ACCESS and Options for Southern Oregon. Rogue Disposal & Recycling was proud to sponsor this fundraiser on May 17, featuring hand-painted ceramic bowls crafted by local students and artists. Each person in attendance selected a bowl to take home — to keep as a memento and a reminder that thousands of bowls in the area go empty during the year and these are Bowls of Hope for those facing hunger, special challenges or disabilities. Attendees then visited food booths at the venue to taste their signature soups and vote for “Peoples Choice — Soup of the Year.” Proceeds from the event benefitted two local organizations that fight hunger and give hope.

Proceeds from the event benefitted two local organizations that fight hunger and give hope. ACCESS, the Community Action Agency for Jackson County, serves more than 40,000 residents each year, providing nutritious food, housing, medical equipment and other needed services for families, senior and veterans in need. ACCESS has 24 food pantries throughout Jackson County, as well as several organic food-share gardens and a mobile Healthy Food Pantry serving residents with chronic diseases.

And Options for Southern Oregon is a major mental health provider in Jackson and Josephine Counties, serving thousands of residents each years. Services include crisis intervention, integrated behavioral and mental health, suicide prevention, education and advocacy. The organizations helps children, adults and families of all ages, including older adults, veterans and people with disabilities.

To learn more or to make a donation to ACCESS, click here.
To learn more or to make a donation to Options for Southern Oregon, click here.