Oregon School Meal Access During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon raises awareness about hunger, connects people to nutrition programs, and advocates for systemic changes to bring about an Oregon where everyone is healthy and thriving, with access to affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate food.

The story of Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon begins back in 1989, when the State Legislature created the Oregon Hunger Task Force. At that time, Oregon ranked high for hunger nationally, and the legislature declared that “All persons have the right to be free from hunger.” Over the decades this group of 20+ advocates, social service providers, state agencies and elected officials consistently pushed for policies, programs, research and investments to address the root causes of hunger.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Cara graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities in 2018 with a Bachelor of Individualized Studies in Mass Communication, Political Science, and African American and African Studies. During college, she completed internships with municipal and state government, served as a mentor for K-8th grade students, and attended the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Program’s Junior Summer Institute at the University of California – Berkeley. Since graduating, Cara has worked for PPIA to connect students from underrepresented communities with public service opportunities and Children’s Defense Fund – Minnesota to advocate for policies that support children living in poverty. She is passionate about eliminating hunger and poverty in order to reduce the opportunity gap for youth.