Rogue Valley Organizations Coordinate Rapid Response as SNAP Benefits Stall
The Rogue Valley Food System Network and its regional partners will hold a press briefing to address SNAP disruptions and the rising food insecurity across Southern Oregon. On Monday, November 3, at 4:00 p.m. via webinar, RVFSN will be joined by the Medford Food Project, Josephine County Food Bank, Josephine County Farm Collective, Family Nurturing Center, Rogue Food Unites, and Farmers Market Fund. With thousands of households bracing for delayed or reduced SNAP benefits, leaders from food banks, farms, pantries, community organizations, health systems, and public agencies will outline urgent needs, share rapid-response efforts, and announce the Rogue Valley Good Food Fund—a local fund to keep fresh, healthy food flowing to families during this period of uncertainty. The meeting is virtual. Those wanting to attend can register by following the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__GYFYcSyRbCbs-8wbQgQhA#/registration ...Read more
      
     
      Interested Citizen Presented SE N Street Property Idea during BCC Workshop
 - Upon further review, we have adjusted this story for accuracy. -  
A citizen interested in leasing the 1798 SE N Street property presented their idea to the Josephine County Board of Commissioners during Tuesday's Workshop. No decision has been made on the property as the presentation was strictly informational. Staff were directed to investigate how a lease would be handled, then report back to the board. The commissioners approved the Quitclaim Deed with Dean Davis for property from the September Auction, as well as confidential properties in relation to the Flying Lark, an invoice from Watkinson, Laird & Rubensten regarding former Commissioner John West, and a calendar with timelines to be compiled for the May Election. Board business included approval of a Community Justice Travel request, Forestry contract, the Recreation Department signing off on the Land and Water Conservation Fund Amendment, and the contract for Pressure Point Roofing LLC services for the jail. 
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      Medford Charter School Receives Grants to Help Fight Hunger in the Community
 
 Logos Public Charter School has received grants for two separate projects to help combat hunger due to food insecurity in the community as part of the Explore.Act.Tell Program. The Foundation for Impact on Literacy and Learning (FILL) and Albertsons Companies Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors provided the grants. The first project, Food for All, is a student-led pantry offering a wide variety of foods, including gluten-free and dairy-free options, canned goods, box mixes, and long-lasting staples. The pantry allows anyone in the community to select the items they need. The second project, the Thanksgiving Basket Food Drive, provided complete holiday meals to families in need. Students organized a school-wide competition by grade to collect non-perishable items. The initiative engaged the entire K-12 school community in a friendly, collaborative effort to support local families. Explore.Act.Tell. helps students in grades 6 to 12 recognize food insecurity issues in their neighborhoods. The students learn skills needed to be responsible citizens and advocate for community service. 
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